Rivers
Embrace Measles Vaccination, Health Educator Urges Mothers
Ahead of the forthcoming round of measles vaccination scheduled to hold from the 12th to 18th of October, a Health Educator, Dr. Diana Babbo, has called on mothers to ensure that their children and wards are vaccinated.
Dr. Babbo, who is the Health Educator, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, said women, particularly those who may have missed the last round of vaccination, would need to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We’re saying that any mother that has possibly missed one of her doses can just walk in, show us her card, we will first look through, and give the child whatever the missed opportunity, of which vaccine”, she said.
Babbo, who made the call while speaking to newsmen on the sideline of a media parley, continued that, “we are also saying that there’re some women that have not given their children any vaccine at all. So long as the child is in that 1 to 5 years bracket, and have not been given any vaccine, we’re combing them out, and we’re starting them on our schedule”.
She noted that while vaccines are for vaccine-preventable illnesses, it has been found that less mothers are continuously embracing vaccination and immunization.
Consequently, she said, “we are seeing all the illnesses that had we won the battle against coming back: polio, whooping cough, yellow fever, measles are all back, and they’re causing a lot of havoc in our communities.
“So, we’re saying let mothers begin to have trust again in our vaccination and immunization”.
She also used the opportunity to call on the media to be a viable ally in creating adequate awareness on the forthcoming round of vaccination and immunization, by providing avenues for more robust media sensitisation.
The categories of children to be vaccinated, she said, are “nine months to five years: those that are in creches 1, 2, and Primary 1 and 2”, while the vaccination is for measles, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and routine immunization.
The HPV is for young girls within the ages of 9 to 14 years, who are not yet sexually active, but are exposed to the virus.
Also speaking, the Chairperson, Media Advocacy for Health, Rivers State, Mrs. Jenewari Utomi, urged journalists on effective reportage of health-related issues, particularly those on women and children.
“As Journalists, we constitute a vital arm of stakeholders in the quest to achieve effective and accessible health care delivery in the state, and the nation at large. One way that we can achieve this goal is through our reportage”, she said.
Sogbeba Dokubo
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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.
He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.
The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.
Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.
Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).
She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.
While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.
She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.
He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.
She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.
In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.
The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.
Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.
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