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RSG Expresses Concern Over Cardiovascular Disease
The Rivers State Government says the upsurge in the prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease in the country is worrisome.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening ceremony of the 53rd Annual General and Scientific Conference of Nigerian Cardiac Society at Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “For us in the State it is a triple pronged approach that is being taken. It takes a tripartite combination of people who can deliver. When you have a Governor that has put healthcare as a top priority and he does it with robust funding, and you have a Commissioner that is strategic, dynamic and very focused in knowing the interventions that could give us positive impact in the health sector and a Chief Medical Director (CMD) who is result oriented you can imagine that you could not have chosen a better location for this conference”.
Governor Fubara who expressed the hope that the interactions and exchange of ideas and discussions would be beneficial to all of us in the world, thanked the President of Nigerian Cardiac Society for making a little introduction on the aspect of involving Primary Healthcare as a phase of intervention of gauging the issues of cardiovascular diseases down to the grassroots.
“It is something that is of a great concern to us you will hear a young man of 42 years goes to sleep and does not wake up, you hear that somebody goes to the gym and drops dead at the gym or you hear people are just driving and they slump. All these tell us that there is a burden and Cardiovascular Diseases must be taken seriously”. The Governor stressed.
According to him the difference between the incidence in the urban and rural areas is narrow, which calls for something to think about, noting that when poverty is a driver, lack of education is a driver it means we have to involve Primary Healthcare so that they can work assiduously with the Ministry and the people that will carry the message down to the villages and remote areas which is expected to change certain dimensions.
He thanked the society for bringing the conference to Port Harcourt, adding that “coming here tells the world that Rivers State is a safe place; it tells the world it is a good place to do business, it tells the world that Rivers State is hospitable and focused in governance”.
In her remarks the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Mary Odili who is the Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Rivers State University said Just as the Courts sit down to deliver Justice and fairness medical professionals strive to deliver health, stressing that together they are united in their commitment to the welfare of Nigerian people.
“Your dedication to advance the health and wellbeing of our nation is commendable and it is a great honour for me to be a part of the gathering of Medical Professionals who are at the forefront of the fight against Cardiovascular Disease in Nigeria”. Hon. Justice Mary Odili further stressed.
Also speaking, the National President of Nigerian Cardiac Society Prof. Augustine Odili urged Stake holders to synergize efforts to bring an end to cardiovascular disease in the country.
Prof Amam C. Mbakwem Presented the Guest Lecture on the theme “Socio-Economic Burden of Rising Cardiovascular Disease Profile in Sub- Saharan Africa”.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Award of Appreciation to His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor, Rivers State, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Rivers State University. Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Rivers State.
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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
