Rivers
400 Persons Benefit From Rotary Club’s Free Medical Outreach
Over 400 persons suffering various health challenges in Rivers State and its environs have benefited from a one-day free medical outreach sponsored by Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, District 9141.
Speaking at the one-day free medical healthcare outreach health talk, healthy lifestyle and wellness symposium programme organised by Knight of St John International (KSJI), Ladies Auxiliary, Port Harcourt, and Rotary Club of Port Harcourt District 9141, the President, Rtn. Chika Ohagba, emphasized on the need for every Nigeriaian to cultivate the habit of regular medical checkup in other to know their health status.
Chika disclosed that the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt partnered with the KSJI to organise the one-day programme to encourage and support people to know about their health status, stressing that the essence of the programme was for people to come out, check and be acquinted with their health status.
According to him, the increase in sudden deaths in the society today is due to attacks, warrantjng the need for the partnership with the Knight of St John International to come together to organise the programme for people to check their health status.
“So, with the medical outreach, you would be able to check your Blood pressure (BP), high level of sugar, and we have a lot of professionals on ground to advise and administer medications.
“Also, with the health talk, people will know how to live a good life and also to live long on earth.
“I want to advise people to always go for their health check because it is very important. Checking your health status will not cost you more because if you know your health status you will not die early and sometimes you will cure it easily.
“So, my advice to every adult is to always go for their health status”, he stated.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the programme, Rtn. Henry Sota, said there is a lot of illness that kill people silently and early, noting that proper measures needs to be taken to avoid those illness catching up late.
According to him, “cancer can be prevented if detected early, but the difference between advanced country and our country is that people leave illness to the last minute before going to hospital to seek for medical treatment”.
In an interview with newsmen, some beneficiaries of the free medical outreach commended the organizers of the programme and described it as a life saving one.
A Senior Lecturer at University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Peter Eremrena, expressed appreciation to both KSJI and the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, District 9141, for organising the free medical outreach and health sypomsium.
He disclosed that he was able to discover that he has high BP through the medical checkup and drugs were given to him for free.
“So, I really want to thank them and I am greatful for the event today”, he said.
Also speaking, a petty trader in Port Harcourt, Ms. Chidima Abowa, while appreciating the sponsors of the event, said the free drugs given to her will go a long way to bring the desired cure for her illness.
The health outreach programme was organized by the Rotary Club as part of its social responsibility in ensuring that people live a healthy life through contributing to free access to health care facility and free medical education and awareness.
By: Akujobi Amadi, Kiadum Edookor
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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor
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