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Dream Of Making Rivers Medical Hub Achievable -Odu
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has said that the dream of making Rivers State the hub of efficient and effective healthcare delivery is achievable.
Odu stated this during the Biennial General Meeting of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Government Hospitals Chapter (MDCAN) on Wednesday, at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt.
According to the deputy governor, with the array of eminently qualified MDCAN members in the State Government’s health facilities, one can postulate without any fear of contradiction that Rivers State can attain that status, adding that the Rivers people deserve optimum healthcare from a robust medical system reinforced by world class facilities.
The deputy governor said the Governor Siminilayi Fubara-led administration was poised to provide the enabling environment and logistics to ensure the reduction of the diseases burden of the Rivers people.
She noted that the theme “Medical Practice in the Face of a Dwindling Economy”, is apt and underscores the importance of making the health facilities user friendly.
“We welcome ideas from the MDCAN on additional measures to strengthen medical welfare, cancer interventions and healthcare access for all. Together, we can build an equitable and responsive platform able to deliver quality care for patients whilst upholding practitioner wellbeing”, the deputy governor further stressed.
She urged them to continue to do all within their powers to provide the necessary care in order to give their patients succour and a sense of hope and belonging, while providing the needed leadership to younger doctors and other health professionals.
Odu commended the out-going Leadership of MDCAN, Rivers State Government Hospitals Branch, for a successful tenure and expressed the hope that the in-coming Executives will consolidate and improve on what they met on ground.
In her opening remark, the Chairman of MDCAN, Rivers State Government Hospital Chapter, Dr Mbak Ebong, commended the Fubara-led administration for its desire to move the health sector of the state to an enviable height, with the recent commissioning of the Dental Maxillofacial, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and Ophthalmology Hospital as well as the Professor Kelsey Harrison Hospital.
Also speaking, the representative of the Chairman of the occasion, and Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Prof. Chituru Orluwene, noted that the university was doing all within its powers to ensure that the welfare of doctors is taken care of, stressing that the present State Government is working assiduously to ensure a better welfare for health professionals in the state.
Highlight of the occasion was the launching of an 18-seater bus procured by the leadership of MDCAN, Rivers State Government Hospitals Chapter by the deputy governor.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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