News
Reps Urge IOCs To Assist Solve UPTH Power Challenge
In a bid to put a permanent solution to the epileptic power challenge at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions has appealed to International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Rivers State to assist the hospital in solving the menace.
The committee said such assistance was part of the IOCs’ Corporate Social Responsible (CSR) to its host communities.
Chairman of the committee, Hon Paschal Chigozie Obi stated this in Port Harcourt during the tour of UPTH facilities as part of its constitutional oversight functions as federal lawmakers.
Obi, who represents Ideato North /South Federal Constituency, Imo State, said the committee was in the hospital for the exercise of its oversight functions in line with Section 88 of 1999 Constitution as amended, which gives power for it to exercise oversight roles in all Federal Government health institutions.
Accompanied by five other federal legislators, Obi appealed to oil companies in the state to seek alternative means of curbing power problem in UPTH so as to aid health care delivery service in the hospital.
He said the committee was pleased with what oil companies and corporate institutions were doing in Lagos State in areas of power supply to government-owned tertiary hospitals.
Obi urged companies, corporate institutions in Rivers State to replicate same gesture in Port Harcourt by assisting in providing constant power supply to UPTH to carry out its health care delivery services and save lives.
“I have not seen such thing here in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, government cannot do all alone, we need your assistance and services in areas of alternative power supply to the hospital.
“We need things like independent power plants in this hospital to boost health care delivery to the people”.
The chairman said the essence of the visit was to ensure that funds that were allocated to the hospital was judiciously utilised by the management.
“We are here to find out the manner these funds were managed and utilised by the management of this hospital.
“We are in UPTH to monitor the capable budgetary performance of the institution for the allocation used in 2021/2022”, he said.
The committee, who also visited Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Pediatric Dept, reconstructive surgery, mental health, COVID-19 Treatment Centre and Molecular Laboratory, commended the Chief Medical Director, UPTH, Prof Henry Arinze Ugboma and his team for their prudent management of the resources allocated to the hospital.
Obi lauded Ugboma for prudent utilisations of funds allocated to the hospital in the years under review.
“The CMD and the management’s of UPTH are doing well with funds allocated to them by the federal government, embarking on projects at the hospital”, Obi said.
The committee also hail UPTH management team for embarking on projects that would improve quality health care delivery in the hospital.
Earlier, Chief Medical Director, UPTH, Prof Henry Arinze Ugboma, noted that power was the major challenge militating the smooth operations in the hospital.
“We have some challenges, especially in the area of power. It is a major challenge in this hospital. Right now, we use about two trucks of diesel a month, and we pay Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) an average of about N20million per month.
“And for these two trucks of diesel, we pay for each N34million to keep power 24 hours it is not an easy thing because we are owing those who give us diesel.”
He disclosed that the hospital pays over N20million as electricity bill to Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) and spends over N60million on diesel on monthly bases.
“We are trying how we can assess alternative means of power. We are looking into it with some groups. We are also writing to multinationals to see how they can in to assist us in the area of alternative power. That is the biggest challenge that we have presently.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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