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Rivers Health College Now Mobilises For NYSC
The Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Rumueme, Port Harcourt, now mobilises its graduates for the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The Provost of the college, Prof Franklin Nlerum, disclosed this during the matriculation of fresh students into various academic disciplines of the college.
He equally disclosed that the college now runs diploma and national diploma programmes, and admits students through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Addressing journalists in his office, the provost said, “Matriculation is a period when we officially enter students’ names into the college diaries. It’s an occasion for the students, their parents and the college to celebrate the beginning of another admission. We admitted 878 students that matriculated today. This is higher than the number we have ever enrolled in this institution. It’s an indication that the college is growing.”
Nlerum attributed the growth of the institution to the law enacted by the Rivers House of Assembly and accented to by the Rivers State governor.
“The law removed the college from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Education where all the higher instructions in Rivers State belong. The college now runs diploma and national diplomas, admits students through JAMB, and mobilises students for NYSC.
“We are doing well; the national board accredits all our courses for technical education. We were able to accredit all our expired programmes. The Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike, offered financial assistance to achieve this feat. However, there are still areas that need to be covered”.
Nlerum charged the matriculating students to concentrate on their studies and key into the academic excellence the college offers.
“We have inculcated in them that in this college we do not have time to play around, and they have also keyed into it. What I am expecting from them is, having matriculated today, they should know it’s no more business as usual; they should concentrate on their studies. Very soon we are going in for our internal examinations. I encourage them to study and be ready for their examinations”.
Miss Sunday Faith Soraniabasi of the Department of Medical Imaging Technology and Mr Sunday Ledito Joseph of the Department of Dental Health Science matriculated that day.
Both affirmed commitment to their studies and to abide by the institution’s rules and regulations.
In a related development, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Orowo community Rumueme, the host community of the institution, Comrade AmadiThankGod, while responding to questions from journalists during the event, said the citing of the college in the community had attracted many fortunes to the community.
“As you can witness, the Orowo community chiefs and elders were invited by the college authority to witness the admission of the new students. Orowo community has benefited a lot from the school in admission, contracts, staff employment, etc. Any indigene of this community attending this school here is on scholarship. I can attest that more than 30 indigenes of this community are in different grades of employment in this college. In fact, we are having cordial relationship with the school authority.”
Amadi used the opportunity to call on the Rivers State Government to build more hostels and classrooms and rehabilitate the dilapidated ones.
“However, the college needs the attention of the Rivers State Government. As the number of students is increasing, infrastructure like hostel accommodation and classroom blocks are no longer insufficient. Most of the buildings are dilapidated, and the infrastructure is decaying. This is a college, not a secondary school. Even some secondary schools have more and better infrastructure than this. We appeal to the government to come to the aid of the college”.
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
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
