Niger Delta
Association Demands Inclusion In PMTCT Implementation In A’Ibom

The Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (ASWHAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called for its members inclusion in the implementation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and other economic programs in the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of ASWHAN, Rachael Ignatius, made the appeal during a press conference at the State Agency for the Control of AIDS office in Uyo. She explained that their inclusion would position them as the lead Civil Society Organisation (CSO) for PMTCT in Nigeria, aiming to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV so that no child would be born with HIV any longer.
The coordinator noted that the press conference followed the International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “Invest in women, accelerate progress.” She emphasized that the theme resonates with the need to empower women, especially those living with HIV, with life-building skills to reduce their vulnerability.
She appealed to all partners to recognize their role in the fight against the escalation of HIV and called for their inclusion in the Grant Cycle 7 PMTCT implementations.
She stated, “We encourage national and international partners to demonstrate their commitment to providing platforms for women and girls living with HIV to have access to economic resources, enjoy their rights, and have a decent livelihood.
“Federal and state ministries of health should engage ASWHAN in PMTCT program implementation and service delivery, thereby positioning ASWHAN as the lead CSO for PMTCT in Nigeria to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV. No child henceforth should be born with HIV.”
The group also urged the state government to consider the HIV anti-stigma and discrimination bill, which had not been assented to in the last administration. They affirmed that having the law in place will protect the rights of women with HIV as well as those who are not infected with the virus.
Speaking, Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS, Dr Idayat Uthman, noted, “We will continue to support the state in ensuring that the anti-stigma law is enacted. We will not stop. We started the fight and we will see it through.”
In his address, the Program Manager of AKSACA, Dr Enbong Akpan, expressed concern about poverty affecting women living with HIV. He called for private and public collaboration to advance the empowerment of women infected with the virus, suggesting soft loans for business and skills acquisition. He insisted that this approach would significantly increase their economic status and help in ending poverty.
He also advocated for gender-responsive financing, emphasizing that providing funds for women is crucial to end violence against them.
“We join ASWHAN in advocating for funding for women to end violence against them. There is a global annual deficit in the budget for women, especially in the area of violence against them,” he stated.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Niger Delta
EFCC Praises NDDC’S Performance … Unveils Projects In Bayelsa
-
News2 days ago
Court Sentences Gospel Singer To Death For Killing Girlfriend In Nasarawa
-
Featured1 day ago
Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business
-
Sports2 days ago
Olympic Day Sparks Nationwide Fitness Fever
-
Nation2 days ago
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance
-
Sports2 days ago
I Joined Saudi League To Win Titles – Senegal Keeper
-
Featured1 day ago
Senate Issues 10-Day Ultimatum As NNPCL Dodges ?210trn Audit Hearing
-
News2 days ago
WDD: Tinubu Seeks Global Action On Drug Abuse
-
News1 day ago
Shettima In Ethiopia For State Visit