Rivers
Eleme LGA Assures On Restoring Ebubu Health Centre
Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State has assured on the resuscitation of the totally vandalised health care centre in Ebubu Community.
Executive Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Joseph Moses Kattey, who gave the assurance, when the Association of Civil Society on Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) paid him an advocacy visit in his office, said the state government, through the Rivers State Healthcare Management Board (RSPHCMB) has commenced efforts in refurbishing the health centre in Ebubu.
“Two weeks ago, the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board visited us. I represented the Chairman in that meeting, and the issue of the vandalised Ebubu Health care facility came up.
“In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Agiriye Harry said they (Board) are willing to fix the facilities,” he said.
Kattey, who represented the Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, however, said the Permanent Secretary expressed fear over the safety of equipment after the refurbishment of the health centre.
“Their fear was whether the facility will not be vandalised again. We (the LGA) assured him that it will not be vandalised because we have security in place now. It was vandalised in the past because people left the community for security reasons. We assured them that the facility will be protected now.
“So, we are working in synergy with the state government, through the Primary Healthcare Board. We’re willing to do the needful, because if the people don’t have functional health facility, it affects us, because the people are our people.
“If there’s any casualty, it’ll affect us, because we’re the primary authority for the security of our people, at the local level, so we know better.
“We already know about the State of the Primary Healthcare at Ebubu, and we’re working with the Board. The role we have to play is to make sure that nothing goes wrong,” Kattey said.
The Programme Officer of ACOMIN in Rivers State, Mrs. Maryjane Akwaka, had earlier called for the intervention of the LGA in the refurbishment of the Health center in Ebubu, which was bare of equipment.
In his response, Kattey had explained that the Ebubu Health Center, which was well equipped by the State Government, was vandalized years ago in the heat of internal crises warranted by between cult groups, which excalated and led to evacuation of the community, which gave room for the vandalization.
On his part, the State Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor John Ihua-Maduenyi, called on the LGA leadership to enhance healthcare services at the current makeshift Town Hall used as heath center by providing such essential commodities as regular water and toilet facilities.
“Water is very essential in a health center, in the same way as convenience. Without these commodities, no health facility can function adequately”, he said.
Assuring the ACOMIN delegation that provision of water and convenience will be given priority attention, Barr. Kattey further assured that the LGA boss will do the needful.
ACOMIN had earlier visited the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Woji Community, Sir P. W. O. Owhor, at the Woji Town Hall, over gaps noticed at the Woji Model Primary Healthcare Center (MPHC).
The Community Based Organization (CBO) working in Woji MPHC, Arinze Maduenyi Foundation (AMF), had identified gaps in power supply, water supply, damaged and rusted tank stand, leaking roof, plumbing work, electrical work, no refrigerator, no functional power generator, spoilt/faulty scale, and poor painting as gaps that required urgent attention.
The CDC boss assured that necessary attention will be given to the filling of the identified gaps by relevant stakeholders in the community.
By: Soibi Max-Alalibo
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.