Rivers
WCD: SFH Promises More Commodities, Partnership
As Rivers State joined other states across the world to mark this year’s world contraception Day, the Society for Family Health (SFH) has promised to partner with the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Health to make available more contraception commodities for women to access across the state.
SFH is one of the leading partners with the State Government in providing health commodities, especially with regards to contraception health and enlightenment.
Speaking to The Tide on the side line of this year’s celebration of the World Contraception Day with the theme, “Power of option: Spotlighting the crucial role that contraception plays in empowering individual to take control of their reproductive Health”, held in Port Harcourt, Tuesday. the social Behaviour change /communication officer of SFH, Mr Uge Victor Ifeanyi, assured that the organization will continue to provide contraception commodities in the State to enable the women take charge of their reproductive health care.
Ifeanyi said the organization has been partnering with the State Government through the Ministry of Health since 2021 and currently has built 30 facilities in Ogba/Egbema, Okirika, Obio/Akpor, Phalga and Ahaoda East Local Government Areas of the State.
He disclosed that this year’s theme was apt as it gives every woman the right choice to choose the form of contraception formula they want to operate with out being forced.
According to him, the delivery in self care (Disc) model of the organization was aimed at giving every woman the chance to choose and have total control of their reproductive health care.
“The women in the community think that it is only the nurses that have the right to injection. Our Disc model is all about self care and it gives them the way for self care.
“Now, with the introduction of this model, the women now stay at their comfort homes and take their injection with out going to health centres. The women can now stand up we can take care of our reproductive health care”, he said.
Ifeanyi stressed that the practice of contraception among women will help prevent unwanted pregnancy and contracting of sexually transmitted diseases, adding that the efficacy of the practice is assured if followed according to specifications.
“All contraception are reliable and efficient if followed accordingly and complied to. The women have the right to choose whether it is the long, short term, or even the pie or what they need is to visit any government health care for instruction on how to the product is administered”, he stated.
He assured that the organization will scale up its operations and provide commodities in the State, stressing that they will promote more enlightenment and sensitisation and advocacy programmes to inform more women on the need to key into the reproductive health care system.
The event attracted stakeholders and practioners from Health sector and students in public health institutions in the State.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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