Niger Delta

Group Celebrates Ikwerre Cultural Day In PH

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

The Ikwerre Day celebration organised by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide last Saturday, at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, was successfully held and was declared open with a short prayer by Bishop Boms Chuks, the President of Ikwerre Gospel Ministers Fellowship.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Eze Mike Elechi, the Chief Executive Officer of Vintage Farms and Products Limited, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Head of Organised Private Sector in Rivers State, ably represented by Prince Charles Beke, appreciated members of Ogbakor Ikwerre for continuing the dreams of their fore-fathers in keeping their heritage intact.
He thanked everybody for maintaining the identity which speaks about the character of Ikwerre people, and urged the body to focus more on the economic visibility of the people and encourage entrepreneurship development by turning it into an economic hub where people can be trained to be economically viable. Eze Elechi advised Ogbakor Ikwerre to continue to be neutral in politics and that they will assist the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre to build another befitting Obiri Ikwerre.
The President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, Eze Godspower Onuekwa, in his welcome address, described Ikwerre Day as “a bi-annual institutionalised cultural fiesta” and “a period of home-coming, cultural reflection and renewal among others, essentially designed to sustain and showcase our rich cultural heritage, identity and core values.” He also said that “it is intended to tell the world who we are, what we do, where we are, etc to ensure that we are relevant in the comity of ethnic nationalities.” He welcomed everyone to the epoch-making occasion, especially the “Ochi Ohnas” and other prominent sons of Ikwerre present.
In recognition of his contributions in Ikwerre land, Eze Onuekwa adopted one of the awardees, Prof. Allswell Osini Muzan, as an Ikwerre son.
The immediate past President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, Prof. Emenike Wami was honoured with the position of Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XIV. In his acceptance speech, he promised to be a good ambassador of Iwhuruohna people and urged everybody to work harmoniously and support the current PG, Eze Godspower Onuekwa.
Among those honoured with awards were Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah; Barrister Emmanuel Mark; Miss Mary Kekwaru; Queen Immaculate Chimzi Osai; Amb. Goodnews Igali; and Prof Allswell Osini Muzan.
There was march past by the branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre and their cultural groups, except Esila branch that was very few in number and they did not come with any cultural group.
The occasion was also garnished with a wrestling competition. Idris Assor Kelachi, Ndubuisi Ogbonda and Godpower Dimkpa took the first, second and third positions respectively during the wrestling competition among the four branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre.
The Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who was represented by Engr. Emeka Woke, thanked Ikwerre people for their support when he was the Governor of Rivers State. He also appreciated them for their support during the 2023 general elections and promised to have a heart-to-heart discussion with members of Ogbakor Ikwerre very soon.
The President and members of Tiv community in Rivers State also sent their warmest greeting to Iwhuruohna people, expressing gratitude for the relationship between Tiv people of Benue State and the Ikwerre people of Rivers State which started many years ago. They maintained that they will continue to be peace-loving people and also sustain the relationship between them and Ikwerre people. As their name implies (the food basket of the nation), they donated 100 big yams to the occasion and thanked God for the success of the occasion.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Senator Andrew Uchendu, the Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Port Harcourt; Prof. Aaron Ojule, former Chief Medical Director of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH); Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner of Education; CP Peter Wagbara (rtd), Nye Nwe Ali Elele-Alimini; Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara IV; the Chairman, Supreme Council of Government recognised Ikwerre Traditional Rulers; Emeritus Prof. Otonti Nduka, Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XI; Prof. Augustine Onyeozu, Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XIII, and others.
In his closing remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prince Charles Beke condemned the absence of prominent Ikwerre sons and daughters at the Ikwerre Day celebration. He advised Iwhuruohna people not to put all their eggs in one basket and that they should not bring their brothers down in the name of politics.
The memorable event ended with several cultural displays from different groups.

Niger Delta

850-bed UCTH overstretched, services 5m patients – CMD

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, has said the 850-bed hospital is overstretched, as it currently serves over five million patients.

He disclosed this on Friday during a media tour of the facility to showcase ongoing renovations and facelift in the hospital.

The CMD noted that, aside being the only tertiary healthcare facility servicing the state, UCTH also serviced neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi.

He said the hospital also received referrals from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic.

According to him, the 850-bed hospital faced persistent space constraints because of increasing patients inflow and expanding healthcare demands.

“This hospital currently operates 62 clinical and non-clinical departments as well as between 30 and 38 wards covering medical, surgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and specialised services.

“Most wards have undergone facelift, remodelling, or complete renovation to improve patient care and working conditions for healthcare professionals”, he said.

He disclosed that the hospital was constructing a new 106-bed emergency medicine facility to address the rising demand for healthcare services.

According to him, the facility will include trauma bays, intensive care units, neonatal wards, and three fully equipped trauma theatres.

Speaking on the remodeled wards, Ikpeme explained that they followed modern nursing principles, allowing one nurse to attend to a maximum of 10 patients.

He said relatives would be restricted to designated waiting areas to reduce interference with medical procedures and improve emergency response efficiency.

The CMD noted that the hospital had strengthened specialist services in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, radiology, and minimally invasive surgery.

“UCTH now performs hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and complex brain tumour surgeries.

“Our surgeons also conduct keyhole procedures for appendectomy, hysterectomy and other conditions with faster patient recovery periods,” he said

In power, the CMD said the hospital relied on solar power from a seven-megawatt plant, constructed by the Federal Government at the University of Calabar, as well as public power supply, and generators to sustain its operations.

He appealed to governments, organisations, and philanthropists to support infrastructure expansion, equipment procurement, and specialised healthcare projects.

The CMD said the hospital required additional incubators, ward expansions, and a stand-alone amenity facility for private healthcare services.

He used the opportunity to dismiss allegations of ethnic discrimination, insisting that the hospital does not reject workers or patients based on tribe or origin.

According to him, the institution recently honoured an Igbo pioneer physician by naming a ward after him in recognition of decades of service.

The CMD said the hospital maintained strict disciplinary procedures to address negligence, poor attitude, and unethical conduct among staff.

The Tide’s source reports that some of the units visited include, intensive care unit, Department of Radiology, Urology Clinic, and Opthalmology Clinic.

Niger Delta

Police Burst Child Trafficking Syndicate In A’Ibom … Nab 3 Suspects

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has busted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested three suspects for conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby in the State.

The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfom John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday, said the three female suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1900hrs.

She said a complainant reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7 and shockingly, shortly after delivery sold the newborn child to one of the suspects for N145, 000.

“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.

“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate”, John said.

She said the State’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing in the state.

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Launches Operation Crack Down Scrap Dealers

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Akwa-Ibom State Government has launched a statewide crackdown on unregistered scrap dealers and scavengers, shutting down illegal operations and arresting operators accused of violating environmental and public safety regulations.

The enforcement operation, led by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), followed the implementation of the state’s Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026, officials said.

AKSEPWMA Chairman, Obong Prince Ikim, said the exercise was aimed at regulating the scrap sector, protect the environment, and prevent criminal groups from operating under the guise of waste collection and metal trading.

“If you want to do scrap business, you must register,” Mr. Ikim said during the operation in Uyo, the state capital.

“Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities”, he said.

According to him, dump site operators and scrap dealers who failed to register with the government risked closure and prosecution.

Authorities accused some operators of involvement in vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that investigations had uncovered criminal activities linked to several dump sites across the state.

“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” Mr. Ikim said.

He added that the state government and security agencies would continue efforts to enforce compliance and maintain public order.

“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the Governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter”, he said.

Police officials involved in the operation said investigations showed that some criminal suspects used scrap yards and refuse dump sites as cover for illegal activities.

CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said some suspects pretended to be mentally unstable while hiding ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters around dump locations.

The police officer praised the environmental agency for what he described as proactive efforts to sanitise the sector and pledged continued cooperation between law enforcement and the agency.

Officials said some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face prosecution.