Rivers
NNPC Foundation Raises Concern Over Rising Heart Disease, Deaths
The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, has expressed concern over rising prevalence of heart disease fatalities in the country.
Arukwe spoke at the 53rd annual general meeting and scientific conference organised by the Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The theme of the conference was “Socio-Economic Burden of Rising Cardiovascular Disease Profile in Sub-Saharan Africa”.
Represented by Mrs. Dominion Eugenia, the Foundation’s Executive Director of Finance, Arukwe said the foundation was supporting healthcare initiatives to lower mortality rates.
She said data from global heath institutions revealed more than 18 million annual deaths from cardiac failure, making the disease the leading cause of global deaths at 32 per cent.
“In Africa, cardiovascular diseases cause about 11 per cent deaths, with rising prevalence attributed to lifestyle changes and urbanisation.
“In Nigeria, an estimated 12 per cent of the adult population suffers from various cardiovascular conditions”, she said.
The Managing Director stressed the pressing need for enhanced healthcare interventions and public awareness, noting the foundation’s decision to collaborate with NCS and health facilities nationwide to tackle the disease.
“NNPC Foundation is dedicated to fostering health and wellbeing, advancing education, supporting environmental sustainability and empowering communities.
“Our healthcare initiatives aim to enhance access to quality medical services, support innovative research, and improve overall health outcomes for communities across Nigeria.
“We are committed to easing the financial burden on individuals facing economic challenges and ensuring access to essential treatments for eneryone”, she said.
On his part, NCS President, Prof. Augustine Odili, said that cardiologists at the conference would brainstorm solutions to reduce the increasing cardiovascular mortality rate in the country.
He added that they would come up with cost-effective methods to enhance the cardiovascular health of Nigerians.
“Nigeria’s economic situation necessitates low-cost measures that can make maximum impact for the people.
“This conference gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including policymakers, academia, civil society organisations and individuals living with heart conditions to advocate for healthier hearts”, he remarked.
Retired Justice Mary Peter-Odili, who chaired the meeting, warned that heart disease was nearing epidemic levels in the country and called for collective action.
Peter-Odili, the Pro-Chancellor, Rivers State University, noted the alarming trend of children being born with treatable heart conditions due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
She advocated for the establishment of Regional Cardiovascular Disease Centres of Excellence to provide advanced care.
“These centres can be hubs for research, training, and the provision of high-quality care, setting new standards for cardiovascular health”, she advised.
Rivers Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare.
She said funds had been allocated to strengthen medical institutions to address cardiovascular disease and other health conditions in the state.
“However, there is need for people to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce their intake of processed foods, drinks and GMOs”, she advised.
In a keynote address, Prof. Amam Mbakwem, Vice President of World Heart Federation, said that high blood pressure, kidney issues and elevated fasting glucose levels were among the conditions contributing to heart disease.
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.
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