Rivers
‘Ogoni Specialist Hospital To Lessen UPTH’s Medical
The Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr. Ferdinand Giadom, says the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, when completed, will serve three States in the Niger Delta region: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
This, he said, will help to lessen the medical burden and pressure currently faced by the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Giadom, who dropped the hint in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of three critical projects in Ogoniland by President Muhammadu Buhari at Wiiyaakara Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State last Friday, said since the three States have no Federal Medical Centre, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital could be adopted as one, as it is “strategically located in an epicentral position for the three States”.
He said the UPTH, located in Rivers State, is the only federal tertiary institution with an overload of patient burden on available facilities, thus, making it expedient for the establishment of another, and in a different Senatorial District, to actually take off pressure on UPTH.
Giadom further noted that one of the findings from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the fact that “Ogoni residents are exposed to contaminants of concern that are carcinogenic in nature”.
He noted that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital would greatly assuage the incidence of emergent cancer cases among people in Ogoniland and other parts of the Niger Delta, who would access medical care in the facility upon completion.
According to him, the other two projects, the Ogoni power project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, would boost and expand the frontiers of knowledge in environmental remediation, and also catalyse socio-economic development of Ogoniland.
Giadom said inaugurating the three projects has etched President Buhari’s name in gold and also proven his abiding love and commitment to the Ogoni people and their development.
He stated further that the groundbreaking ceremony for the three projects is ostensibly one of the highpoints of the Buhari administration, especially as they are to address the age long agitation of the people of the Niger Delta.
On his part, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund, HYPREP, Dr. Michael Nwielaghi, in his goodwill message said the board members have made commitment to prudent management of funds for the clean-up exercise and other projects, while ensuring timely release for the smooth operations of HYPREP.
“We seek to run a transparent financial system that always takes into cognizance the interest of Ogoni people”, Nwielaghi said.
He appealed for more funds to bolster HYPREP’s activities considering the global rise in inflation rate, “either as the ones we can directly solicit from donors, or as additional releases to the initial $1billion by the Joint Venture Partners”.
This, he said, “will augment for whatever shortfalls inflationary trends have caused, and enable HYPREP to deliver more services to the people”.
The Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, in appreciation of all that the Buhari administration has done for the Ogoni people within the past eight years conferred a chieftaincy title of ‘Mighty Eagle’ on President Buhari at the event.
They also presented special awards of honour to the Minister of Environment, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Ferdinand Giadom.
By: Donatus Ebi
Rivers
IAUE Governing Council Chair Assures On Mandate Delivery


Rivers
World Food Day: Farmers Urge Collaboration For Improved Productivity


Rivers
PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
-
Nation3 days ago
Rivers Chief Judge Pardon 14 Inmates From Prison To End 2024/2025 Legal Year
-
Nation4 days ago
Cancer Care: Expert Seeks Hospice In UPTH
-
News3 days ago
Use Service Year To Build Capacity, Fubara Urges Corp Members
-
Featured4 days ago
Workers’ Audits Not Meant For Downsizing – Walson Jack
-
Nation3 days ago
Union Petitions EFCC, ICPC Over Tax Fraud Allegations Against Daewoo, Saipem
-
Politics4 days ago
Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman
-
Nation3 days ago
HYPREP Remains Steadfast In Adhering To International Standards—Zabbey …As Regulators, Asset Owners Hail Project
-
News3 days ago
NERC Approves N28bn For Procurement Of Meters For Band A Customers