News
Wike Donates N200m To Ariaria Traders
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has donated N200million to traders who were affected by the ongoing remodelling works at the Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, who disclosed this while inspecting the ongoing remodelling works at the A-Line section of market, stated that his Rivers State counterpart, expressed sympathy and support to the traders who were displaced as a result of the ongoing work.
Describing Wike as his friend who has stood by him and the Abia people, Ikpeazu explained that he had informed the governor about the ongoing work, and he pledged N200million to assist the traders re-acquire their shops after the reconstruction.
He commended the contractor handling the remodelling works, Blessed Henken International Company, for working in line with specifications and interpreting the government’s vision for the market, and urged him to increase the pace of work to ensure early completion.
Ikpeazu explained that the quality of remodelling work at the market has vindicated his interventionist move to remodel Ariaria market after more than 40 years to make it a true international market.
The governor, who also donated N100million to the traders, explained that the donations were for the first 600 original shop allottees to enable them recommence business.
“Yesterday, I inspected a brand new Government House in Umuahia. The Dr Okezie Ikpeazu administration is the one that will bequeath a new Government House, and remodelled A-Line in Ariaria International Market to the state. I take regular visits to inspect projects where I spend money.
“You need to put speed, but don’t compromise quality because my people deserve the best.
“I told my friend, the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, that I’m going to visit Ariaria traders. He was aware that Ariaria International Market is being remodelled. I have friends who can assist my people, and one of them is Governor Wike. He gave me a message for Ariaria traders.
“The message he asked me to deliver is that he will pay N500,000 each for 400 original allottees who are affected by the remodelling works at the market.
“What this means is that he gave N200million to the concerned traders. The contractor will have to deduct it from the money to be paid for shops by the traders. Yesterday, I also approved some money to the traders. I approved the sum of N100million. This money will also be deducted from the money to be paid for the shops. What the two donations mean is that the 600 traders have paid N500,000 each for the shops. The traders will soon pack in, and they will have money to do business.
“The remodelling of A-Line in Ariaria market is almost completed. We have also done Faulks (Ariaria) Road, and we are committed to making life pleasurable for Ariaria traders.
“I will also help the traders to complete their secretariat and commission it. For those who are coming to campaign at Ariaria market, ask them what have they done to assist you? Let them provide evidence of what they have done. Don’t allow them to come and deceive you with their sweet tongue and fake promises. 2023 is the time to show full working.”
First Vice Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Chief Goddy Udunna, who spoke for the executives of the market, commended the governor for the asphalting of Faulks Road, and the remodelling works which have changed the face of the market.
Earlier, some of the affected traders, Obi Collins and Chiabuto Anaba, said they were happy with Ikpeazu’s efforts in remodelling the market and building roads.
They declared that the traders would support the governor’s ambition to represent Abia South Senatorial District at the Senate in 2023, as well as elect Prof Ikonne to succeed him.
News
Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims At Rivers Health College
The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.
In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.
“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.
She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.
“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.
Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.
While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.
The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasised integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.
Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritise accuracy in reporting.
News
Hausa Leader Lauds Fubara For Sustaining Peace, Security In Rivers
The Chairman of the Arewa Traditional Council of Chiefs in Rivers State, Alhaji Hussaini Isa Madaki, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his efforts in sustaining peace and security of lives and property across the state.
Madaki, who is also the Sarkin Hausawa in Rivers State, described the governor as a leader who has embraced the Hausa community as part of the larger family in the state.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, Madaki noted that Governor Fubara has demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness by not segregating any ethnic group, particularly the Hausa community.
He added that the governor’s peaceful disposition has positioned Rivers State as one of the most accommodating and peaceful states in the country.
Madaki further assured that the Hausa community would continue to give maximum support to the Fubara-led administration until the end of its tenure.
He also urged members of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they go about their lawful activities.
On community development, Madaki disclosed that district and ward heads have been appointed and crowned across Hausa settlements in the State to ensure proper coordination and profiling of residents. According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening security, enhancing identification, and improving crisis management at the grassroots level.
He explained that the move became necessary due to recurring security concerns, including disturbances allegedly caused by some scavengers and cart pushers.
Madaki called on the newly appointed leaders to promote inclusiveness, harmony, and peaceful coexistence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Those appointed include Alhaji Abubakar as Port Harcourt City District Head; Alhaji Buba Usman (Eleme axis); Malam Adamu (Eagle Island); Alhaji Tanlasuki (Gborokiri Yam Zone); Abdullahi (Rumukwurushi); Adamu Suleiman (Aboloma); and Useni Umaru (D-Line).
He appealed to Governor Fubara to formally recognise the efforts of the Hausa leadership structure in the State and extend further support in the spirit of inclusivity and unity.
News
Spread RIVCHPP Message, Dr Agala Urges Rivers Residents
Residents of Rivers State have been called upon to actively promote the programmes of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to enhance awareness and boost enrolment across the state.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, made the appeal during a sensitisation and enrolment engagement held at the palace of the Eze-elect of Oyigbo, Eze Samuel N. Azuh, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Dr. Agala was represented at the event by the Head of Planning of the agency, Dr. Juliet Aleme.
She emphasised that increased awareness of the health insurance scheme would enable more residents to understand and benefit from the initiative, which is designed to provide access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship at the point of need.
According to her, RIVCHPP is a comprehensive health insurance scheme open to residents across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. She noted that the programme reflects the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to improving the welfare of citizens, particularly by ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare.
Dr. Agala further disclosed that both the federal and state governments have already covered health insurance premiums for a segment of the population classified as vulnerable, urging more residents to enrol and take advantage of the scheme.
In his response, the Eze-elect of Oyigbo, Eze Samuel N. Azuh (Eze Oha III), expressed appreciation to RIVCHPP and Pamo University for bringing the sensitisation and health outreach to the community. He commended the state government for sustaining the initiative and assured that his people would embrace the opportunity to enrol.
The traditional ruler, however, appealed for an expansion of the vulnerable category to accommodate more citizens. He also urged the agency to include coverage for eye-related ailments and surgical procedures in its benefit package.
Earlier, the Head of Community Medicine at Pamo University, Iriebe, Dr. Chidinma Opara, revealed that research conducted by 600-level medical students indicated low awareness of RIVCHPP programmes and poor utilisation of primary healthcare centres in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
She explained that the findings prompted the institution to collaborate with RIVCHPP to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly targeting underserved communities, to ensure wider access to the scheme’s benefits.
As part of the collaboration, a facility visit was conducted to the Pamo University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, for an on-the-spot assessment of its facilities. Discussions are currently underway between RIVCHPP and the hospital’s management to onboard the facility as a service provider for enrollees under the scheme.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by RIVCHPP to expand its reach and strengthen healthcare delivery across Rivers State.
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