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Reactions Trail RSHA Ban On Open Defecation

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2 years ago

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Reactions have trailed the adoption of a motion by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the ban on open defecation in the state.
A cross session of environmentalists who reacted to the ban commended the Assembly for the move, describing it as timely.
They, however, said the ban should not only be on paper but should be translated into reality.
Speaking with The Tide, the Acting General Manager of the Rivers State Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Napoleon Adah, said the motion was timely inview of the fact that past Administrations in the country have already signed Order 009 banning open defecation across the country.
He said RUWASSA and the Ministry of Water Resources are happy with the move by the State Government toilet facilities in public places in the state.
Adah said his Agency will continue with its sensitization campaign against open defecation in the state.
Also speaking, an Environmentalist, Mr. Blessing Jackson Tiko, also applauded the the House of Assembly for adopting the motion.
Tiko, who spoke with The Tide in Port Harcourt, said the motion was timely inview of the current outbreak of cholera across the country.
He said open defecation is a danger to public health, adding that enlightenment is also needed to change people’s behaviour on the issue of open defecation, especially in the rural areas.
TIko, who was Deputy Operation Officer, Phalga Environmental Taskforce, also urged for collaboration with other agencies to ensure that open defecation is eradicated in the state.
It would be recalled that The Rivers State House of Assembly had during its legislative sitting last week passed a resolution that public toilets facilities be constructed across the 23 Local Government Areas as a way of curbing open defecation in the State.
The Assembly also directed the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and The Rivers State Waste Management Agency to check further defecation under flyovers in Port Harcourt.
It also advocated for regular monitoring, evaluation and active participation of relevant ministries and Stakeholders in the fight against open defecation.
The resolution was sequel to a motion presented by the Deputy Speaker, Adolphus Timothy Orubienimigha, on the floor of the House during its legislative sitting last Tuesday.
Deputy Speaker, Orubienimigha, while presenting the motion, prayed the House to direct the Ministry of Health and Environment to work collaboratively in order to develop a comprehensive action plan to eradicate open defecation in the State.
He said the motion was in line with the International Community’s commitment towards achieving acess to sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, adding that Rivers State should never be left behind.
“Mr. Speaker and my distinguished colleagues, this is not just a sanitation issue, it’s a matter of public health, dignity and environmental responsibility”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker stressed the need for the House to declare a state of public emergency on the practice of open defecation and prohibiting its practice in the state.
Other demands include that the House should direct the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Health to work collaboratively in order to develop a comprehensive action plan to eradicate open defecation in the state.
Also, to urge the Rivers State Government to allocate funds for the speedy implementation of these action plans, including the construction of public toilet facilities in the state capital and Communities where the practice is most prominent.
The Deputy Speaker also called for the implementation of sensitization and awareness campaigns to promote behavioral change.
Others are: to ensure and enforce the compliance of existing sanitation laws and health regulations; to engage stakeholders to actively participate and champion the fight against open defecation; and to request the relevant ministries to submit a progress report on the implementation of this action plan one month for the House’s review and further action.
Leader of thw House, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, while seconding the motion as moved by the Deputy Speaker, condemned the act of open defecation and described the motion as timely.
Speaker of the House, Victor Oko-Jumbo, at the end of the debate on the motion, said the prayers are in tandem with the motion.
Oko-Jumbo, who amended some of the prayers, called on traditional council leaders, private organizations and NGOs to support the speedy implementation of the action plan on open defecation.
All members present voted in favour of the resolution through a voice vote.

John Bibor

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100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.
 Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.
He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.
“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.
Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.
He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.
On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”
He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.
“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”
Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.
On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”
Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”
By: King Onunwor
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Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.
She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.
She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.
Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.
He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.
The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.
The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.
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Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.
The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.
He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.
“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.
The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.
Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.
He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.
“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.
As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.
The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.
By: Michael T. Abraham
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