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Group Takes Free Medical Outreach To Rural Communities In Rivers

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Inline with it sphilosophy of reaching the unreached, a socio-political group – The Rivers Equity Group – has embarked on a medical outreach to rural communities in the state.
National Leader of the group, Elder Clapton Ogolo, told newsmen during the programme at the Ogale Civic Centre, Eleme, that the outreach was based on a need assessment conducted by the group.
“We are here to continue with what we feel should be done in the rural areas and local government areas.
“Like you know, we had aneed assessment, and we realised that most of the people in the rural areas have need for medical attention, particularly their sight.
“We decided to simplify their health status by coming here”, he said.
Ogolo said the group has already visited four local government areas, stressing that all local government areas would be visited.
He said the programme would help those who cannot read to read as well as know how to vote during the 2023 elections.
Ogolo commended the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his support towards the success of the programme, noting that it shows his concern for the health of Rivers people.
Also speaking, Sir. Emeka Ichoku, said the programme was to improve the health conditions of the people.
Ichoku said the outreach would be taken to all local government areas of the state.
He said the programme was made possible with the support of the PDP Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, noting that it shows his deep concern for the health of Rivers people.
Ichoku also maintained that the outreach would also be used by the group to sensitise the people on the importance of collection of their permanent voters cards (PVCs).
In his remarks, a former permanent secretary in the state, Sir John Nalley, restated that the medical outreach was based on a need assessment conducted by the group.
He said the assessment revealed that the people needed medical attention as a matter of urgency.
Nalley commended the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, SirSiminialayiFubara, for his support to the group to undertake the medical outreach.
On her part, Managing Director of Linsolar Eye Clinic,Dr.Adeline Aluge, said over 700 persons have been tested and provided with eye glasses.
She said those with serious cases were being referred to both secondary and tertiary medical institutions for treatment.
Speaking,Chairman of ElemeLocal Government Area, Chief ObarillormateOllor, described the programme as a sign of great things to come.
Ollor, who said this during a courtesy call by the group in his office, also pledged his council’s preparedness to collaborate with the group to reach all nooks and crannies of the area.
He also commended the people for the massive turn out for the programme, and added that the council would undertake the treatment of those with serious cases.
Ollor thanked the leadership of the Rivers Equity Group for finding Eleme worthy to benefit from their project.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to identify with the group, and asserted that the service the group has embarked upon would open the way for the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state.
According to him, “when you reach out to the helpless, God will repay such kindness by making you achieve what you are looking for”.
“I listened carefully to your presentation and waited eagerly to hear such comments as we appeal for your financial assistance but it never came rather you are emphasizing the need to reach out to as many indigent persons as possible to give them a better life through medical support while difficult cases shall be referred to other secondary and or tertiary medical institutions.
“This makes it clear that the impact of what you are here to do today will have a far reaching effect and a lasting impact on our people. It is because of this high level of commitment, dedication and readiness to sincerely assist our people that I am going to support this group so that it can achieve even greater goals. As a local government, we shall also support those whose cases shall require referral to ensure that they are given the needed medical attention”, Ollor noted.
Ollor said the move has reassured him and enhanced his confidence in the Sir SimFubara’s candidacy.
He noted that, “Sim is the engine room of Rivers State and no one else knows Rivers State at the apex of governance more than him, therefore, if he supports this kind of idea, it gives us a clue to what he can do when he eventually emerges as governor”.
Also PDP Chairman in Eleme, Hon.FyneOlungwe, described the programme as the beginning of a new era in Rivers State.
Olungwe said the programme has shown that the next PDP administration in the state would bring health care to the door steps of every Rivers man and woman.
Some beneficiaries of the programme, including Pastor Joshua Joshua,Mrs Mercy Chiteh, and others, thanked the group for the gesture, and called for the programme to be sustained.
Over 300 persons benefited from the scheme as they were given free medication and medicated glasses.

By: John Bibor

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I’m Committed To Community Dev – Ajinwo

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The Sole Administrator of Emohua Local Government Area, Barr. Franklin Ajinwo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting community development, peace, and progress, describing it as his life’s calling.
Ajinwo made this known on when Okporowo Vanguard—a foremost association dedicated to driving sustainable development in Okporowo community—paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat, Emohua.

Speaking during the visit, the Emolga  Council boss advised the group to shun internal wranglings and leadership tussles, cautioning that such impediments could undermine their collective goals. He emphasized that unity is strength, and true power comes only from God.

Highlighting his ongoing efforts in repositioning standards within Emohua Local Government, Barr. Ajinwo commended Okporowo Vanguard for initiating plans to conduct large-scale skills acquisition training for young people in Okporowo. He assured them of his steadfast support towards such developmental initiative.

The former Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Rivers State stressed the need for selfless service, saying it is essential for achieving peace, unity, and development in any community.

He applauded the group’s vision of empowering youths through skills acquisition, aligning it with global best practices aimed at reducing dependency on white-collar jobs.

Earlier, the President of Okporowo Vanguard, Hon. Israel Emeji, outlined Barr. Ajinwo’s numerous and impactful contributions to the development of Okporowo community.

According to him, every family in the community has benefited from Barr. Ajinwo’s dedicated employment initiatives.

Hon. Emeji disclosed that during his tenure as Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) and as NULGE Chairman, Barr. Ajinwo facilitated the employment of over five hundred (500) individuals from Okporowo community—a record that informed the association’s decision to honour him with the Excellent Leadership Award.

In a vote of thanks, the Secretary of the group, Dr. Okechukwu Godwin Amadi, praised Barr. Ajinwo’s outstanding leadership and unwavering support, both before and after his appointment as Sole Administrator.

He thanked him for the warm reception and appreciated members of Okporowo Vanguard for their strong turnout and continuous support for the present administration.

In their separate remarks, Barr. Kelvin Ajinwo, Chief Polycarp Ndala, and other dignitaries present prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection over Barr. Ajinwo, describing him as a divine gift to the Okporowo community.

They expressed hope that he would be granted even more leadership opportunities to further uplift the living standards of the people.

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RSG Tasks Rural Dwellers On RAAMP  …As Sensitization Team Visits Akulga, Degema, Three Others

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Rivers State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, has called on rural communities in the State to embrace the Rural Access and Agricultural marketing project (RAAMP) with a view to improving their  living conditions.

This follows the ongoing sensitization campaign by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) visits to Degema, Abonnema, Afam headquarters of Degema, Akuku Toru and Oyigbo Etche and Omuma local government areas respectively.

Dr Brown who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in her office, Mrs Dein Akpanah, said RAAMP was initiated by the Federal Government and World Bank to economically empower rural dwellers.s

She said the World Bank understands the plights of rural farmers and traders in the State, and therefore came up with the programme to address them.

According to her, RAAMP will improve the conditions of farmers, traders and fishermen, and therefore, behoves on every rural communities in the State to embrace the programme.

The Head of Service also said the programme would support the youths to be gainfully employed while  bridges and roads will be built to link farms and fishing settlements.

Also speaking, the State project coordinator, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the programme has the potential of creating millionaires among farmers and fishermen in the State.

Kpakol who was represented by Engr. Sam Tombari, said RAAMP would help farmers and fishermen to preserve their produce.

According to him, the project will build cold rooms and Silos for preservation of crops and fishes while access roads will also be created to link farmers and fishermen to the market.

He, however, warned them against any act that will lead to the suspension of the projects by the World Bank.

Kpakol particularly warned against acts such as kidnapping, marching ground, gender based violence and child labour, adding that such acts if they occur may  lead to the cancellation of the project by the World Bank.

During the visit to Oyigbo local government area, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the team was there to let them know how they will benefit from the Raamp.

The coordinator who was personally at Oyigbo said the World Bank introduced the project to check food insecurity in the State.

He said already 19 states in Nigeria are already benefitting from the project and called on them to embrace the project.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the three local government areas have commended the World Bank for including their areas in the project.

They, however, complained over the incessant attacks by pirates on their waterways.

At Degema, King Agolia of Ke kingdom said land was a major problem in the kingdom.

King Agolia represented by High Chief Alpheus Damiebi said many indigenes of the kingdom are willing to go into farming but are handicapped by lack of land.

Also at Degema, the representative of the Omu Onyam Ekeim of Usokun Degema kingdom, Osoabo Isaac, said Degema has embraced the programme but needed more information on the implementation of the programme.

Similarly, while High Chief Precious Abadi advised that the project should not be narrowed to only crop farming, a community women leader, Mrs Orikinge Eremabo Otto, called for the construction of cold rooms in all fishing settlements in the area.

At Abonnema, Mr Diamond Kio linked the problem of the area to incessant piracy along waterways.

He also expressed fears over the possibility of the project being hijacked by politicians.

Also at Abonnema, a stakeholder, Ikiriko Kelvin, called on the World Bank to design an agricultural project that will suit the riverine environment, while at Oyigbo, HRH Eze Boniface Akawo expressed satisfaction with the project.

 

John Bibor

 

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Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman 

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The political mudslinging between the Senate leadership and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continued yesterday as the Senate named Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the appointment during yesterday’s plenary, confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.

Bassey is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Although no reason was given for her removal yesterday, the change is believed to be connected to her unresolved suspension.

In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.

However, the Senate has insisted it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central, has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.

In a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.

Although the Federal High Court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional”, a legal opinion dated July 5 and attributed to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), argued that the ruling lacked any binding directive to enforce her reinstatement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only three female senators in the current assembly, said the continued delay in allowing her return was not only a denial of her mandate but also a blow to democratic representation.

“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.

 

 

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