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Ministry Debunks Akpana’s Leadership Of JONAPWD … Sets Stage for Peaceful Election

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1 year ago

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The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has debunked claims by one Mr. Collins Akpana that he is the authentic chairman of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Rivers State (JONAPWD).
Addressing a press conference in Port-Harcourt on behalf of the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Ilamu Arugu, the  Director of Administration in the Ministry, Darlington Owiriwa, said as the ministry overseeing the affairs of JONAPWD in the State, the Ministry is focused on promoting peace and mediation to foster harmony among the association’s members.
This is sequel to several complaints from various clusters of persons with disabilities in 2023, alleging fraud and other issues.
Barrister Owiriwa recalled that a congress was convened with stakeholders, including Collins Akpana in attendance, in which a vote of no confidence was passed against his leadership, with 26 out of 31 members voting against him.
The Director of Administration also refuted allegations of fund diversion to other clusters of the association, stating that the vote of no confidence was based on fraud allegations against Akpana and his group.
Owiriwa further disclosed that an election is expected to take place before the yuletide season, with each cluster of persons living with disability constituting delegates in the election as agreed in their last meeting with the present Commissioner of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Arugu.
He also said a five-man electoral committee will conduct the election to ensure a peaceful transition for a new leadership of the association to function optimally for the purpose the organization was formed, noting that so far four clusters have submitted names of  their representatives and are awaiting inauguration by the Commissioner.
Collaborating the ministry’s stance, Kie Obomanu, immediate past Chairman of the JONAPWD in Rivers State, noted that no chairman has emerged since the expiration of his tenure.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation and unity within the disability community, stating that ”strife and discord will not help them achieve their goals”.
Obomanu used the opportunity to reassure the public that “a legitimate election will be held soon, and a new chairman will be elected democratically”.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind and Chairman of All Clusters Forum, Barrister Amuda Chigozie, also noted that there is currently no substantive chairman of the association, following the dissolution of the previous administration after a vote of no confidence in December 2023 .
Barrister Amuda praised Arugu for his efforts in resolving the lingering crisis within the association.
By: Sogbeba Dokubo
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Rivers

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

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14 hours 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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Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

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14 hours 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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14 hours 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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