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Group Takes Free Medical Outreach To Rural Communities In Rivers
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
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo