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Group Delivers Free Medical Care To Okrika

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The Rivers Equity Group, last Wednesday, landed in Okrika Local Government Area in Rivers State with its message of free medical outreach in collaboration with the Linsolar Eye Clinic.
The Rivers Equity Group led by Hon. Elder Clapton Ogolo and assisted by Sir John Nalley, on arrival at Okrika Island were warmly received by the Council Chairman, Hon. Akuro Tobin, in the company of his Vice, Hon. Charity Igbulubo, and other council officials and political appointees.
Briefing the council chairman, the Deputy Leader of the group, Sir J.P. Nalley, said that the group’s mission to Okrika was to ensure that the people get free medical attention, adding that the programme was in series across the 23 local governments aimed at reaching out to the people to cater for their healthcare needs, especially their eyes and to enlighten them on the Electoral Act, the importance of the PVC, non-violent elections, and the need to live healthy and stay alive to enjoy the dividends of democratic governance.
He expressed expectation that, by the grace of God, the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the upcoming 2023 governorship electionin Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, would deliver good governance to the people, if elected.
Furthermore, he said that the free medical outreach was a divinely inspired project fully endorsed by Fubara, who he said, agrees with and fully supports the project as it was an avenue to not just go and enlighten the people but to also accompany it with value in the form of free medical outreach to indigent people across the state.
He thanked the chairman with his team and the good people of Okrika for the warm and superlative welcome accorded the Rivers Equity Group.
In his response, e Okrika Council Chairman, Hon. Akuro Tobin, expressed joy that the project has reached his people, and thanked the Rivers Equity Group for coming to reach out to the people of Okrika through such a laudable programme.
He said that Okrika was a complete PDP territory, adding that so long as the group was backed by Fubara, Okrika was with PDP and would stand with Fubara and all PDP candidates in the forthcoming 2023 general election.
He said that with the good works of Governor Nyesom Wike all over the state and his complementary efforts in the area,Okrika people were at home with the PDP, and had no alternative but the PDP and PDP alone.
During a town hall meeting, Tobin, told his people that the group was backed by Sir Siminialayi Fubara, who was the governorship candidate of the PDP for the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.
He explained that with SIM as the incoming governor of the state, better days were on the horizon.
He charged the people to ensure that all hands were on deck to secure convincing victory for Fubara and other PDP candidates for the sustenance and consolidation of the giant strides in every sector of the economy of the state under the NEW Rivers Vision of Chief Nyesom Wike.
The chairman also promised that the council would take care of the bill for the treatment of those whose cases need referral as he also requested the Rivers Equity Group to come back for a repeat free medical outreach in the area so as to extend the gesture to more people in the area.
Thereafter, Tobin declared open the free medical outreach programme as he personally handed over free eyeglasses and drugs to a select 20 beneficiaries, just as he inspected the medical facilities of the partners of the team, Linsolar Eye Clinic.
He also took advantage of the moment to get his eyes tested, and was given a suitable prescribed pair of eyeglasses.
Earlier, the CEO of Linsolar Eye Clinic, Dr. Adeline Aluge, gave a brief talk on the medical services expected and procedures.
She also admonished the people to always avoid practices that were capable of damaging their eyes and always seek proper medical help for sustained healthy eyes, even as she said that to vote right, the eyes were important to avoid wasting their votes.
Earlier, the group had proceeded along with the Okrikacouncil chairman on separate courtesy visits to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, and Amanyanabo of Kirike Kingdom, Air Commodore T.E.O. Ogube (rtd).
At the palaces of the two kings, the group was warmly welcomed, just as its leaders, Elder Clapton Ogolo and BarristerEmekaIchoku, briefed the monarchs on the mission of the Rivers Equity Group to Okrika.
The message was the same – reaching the unreached indigent citizens with care for their health – especially their eyes, as well as enlighten them on the Electoral Act and an admonition to shun electoral violence.
In their separate responses at their different palaces, the monarchs’ messages were the same.
They appreciated the group for the lofty project they had embarked on, especially as it was geared towards helping the poor masses.
They blessed the group for the successful execution of the project, and declared support of Okrika people for the candidature of Sir SiminialayiFubara.
They also admonished the group to carry on with the good works, especially to amplify the message of non-violence and peaceful coexistence.
The medical care included treatments, drugs administration, free eyeglasses,while more serious cases were referred for further medical attention.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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