Rivers
RSG moves To improve Health Care Delivery To Communities … Inaugurates Local Government Health Care Authorities
Inline with the desire of ensuring quality primary health care services to the people at the grassroots, the Rivers State Government has commenced the inauguration of local Government Health Care Authorities across the 23 Local Government Areas .
Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr Kinikanwo Green, said the inauguration was inline with the law setting up the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board.
Green, who spoke to newsmen at Omoku and Rumuodumanya during the inauguration of the Ogba Egbema Ndoni and Obio /Akpor local Government Health Care Authorities respectively, said the situation will ensure better supervision of the over 300 Primary Health Centers across the state.
He said the various local Government Healthcare Authorities, which will be chaired by chairpersons of the various councils who are also supervisors for health in their respective local Government Areas and other health officers, will ensure proper maintenance of Primary Health Centers in their domain.
It will also feed the Board with monthly reports that will enable it articulate policies that will ensure the effective functioning of the various Primary Health Centers in the LGAs.
“We expect them to give us monthly reports and that will help in formulation of policies to see how to move primary Health Care forward”, he said.
Speaking with newsmen later, both the chairpersons of Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA, Mrs Stella Agada, and her Obio /Akpor counterpart, Mrs Chinyere Agbara, said the Authorities under their supervision will work hard to ensure quality services at various PHCs in their LGAs.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board has blamed the poor primary health care services at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Ndoni, in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA on flood.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Green, made this observation in an interview with newsmen shortly after inspecting facilities at the health centre.
He said flooding has affected the quality of service being rendered by the health centre.
According to him, the visit to the Ndoni health centre was part of ongoing tour by the board to PHCs across the state.
“We are here to ensure that the people of Ndoni are able to access quality and good PHC services
“But, of course, this whole flood thing has really affected the level of services of PHC in this place”, he said.
He stated further that the Ndoni health centre is part of the PHCs that will be reactivated by the present administration, but added that something must be done about the perennial flooding in the area.
Green said while the board will make recommendations to the State Government on its observation, it beholves on the Federal Government to swing into action with the view to ensuring that people in the area live their normal lives.
He said the present administration under Governor Siminalaye Fubara is determined to ensure quality PHC services to the people of the state.
Green described PHC services as the most important as far as health care delivery is concerned, adding that in line with UNICEF standard, over 78 percent of the populace make use of the service of primary PHC system.
The Executive Secretary also advised Communities to take control of the health centres sited in their domain, while accessing the services of PHCs should be for everybody, not just women and children alone.
Health centres visited include that of Omoku, Okwuzi, Ndoni, Igwuruta, and Rumuodumanya.
By: John Bibor
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The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.
At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.
The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).
In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.
He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.
Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.
They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.
Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.
In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.
Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.
According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.
She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.
“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.
With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.
This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.
Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.
The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.
He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.
According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.
He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.
The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.
He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.
Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.
His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.
Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.
The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.
By: King Onunwor
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.
A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.
The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.
He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.
He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.
The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.
By: King Onunwor
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