Featured

UNICEF Strengthens Public Health Emergency Preparedness Across 10 States

Published

19 seconds ago

October 1, 2026

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria’s Enugu Field Office, in collaboration with the Abuja Front Office, has vowed to strengthen public health emergency preparedness and health security systems, with particular focus on flood and cholera preparedness across 10 UNICEF-supported states.

The 10 targeted states are Rivers, Benue, Delta, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River and Kogi.

The three-day multi-sectoral meeting held from 21–23 September 2026 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, brought together representatives from State Ministries of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agencies/Boards, State Emergency Management Agencies and other relevant MDAs, alongside UNICEF, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and WHO.

The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Worgu Wachukwu, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Joy Wihioka, representing the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, also addressed participants.

Opening remarks were delivered on behalf of the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, by Dr. Hilary Ozoh.

Technical sessions were facilitated by NCDC, NEMA and UNICEF, represented by Mr. Paul Labaran Majam, Mr. Chidi Ogundu, Dr. Eghe Abe, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, Dr. Hilary Ozoh and Maureen Zubie-Okolo.

Sessions covered multi-hazard preparedness, outbreak investigation and response, Incident Management Systems, PHEOC coordination, risk assessment, flood and cholera preparedness, multisectoral coordination and emergency response planning.

A key feature was a tabletop simulation of a flood-triggered public health emergency, which tested coordination, information sharing, escalation and response arrangements involving health authorities, SEMA, State PHEOCs, other MDAs, communities, and traditional and religious leaders.

The exercise highlighted the importance of timely information sharing, early partner engagement, effective logistics and referral systems, and rapid access to emergency funds and supplies.

Participants identified critical gaps in emergency planning, PHEOC and Rapid Response Team capacity, laboratory systems, emergency stockpiles, logistics, and coordination between disaster management and public health structures.

The affected states committed themselves to strengthening surveillance and early warning, multi-sectoral coordination, flood and cholera preparedness, community engagement, continuity of essential health services and domestic financing for emergency preparedness and response.

As a key next step, participating states will develop costed and time-bound preparedness action plans with clearly defined responsibilities, resource requirements, timelines and monitoring mechanisms.

Meanwhile, regular progress reviews will support implementation, accountability and sustained improvements in public health emergency preparedness and health security.

Featured

UNGA81: Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Delegation To New York

Published

1 week ago

September 21, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, made this known in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

The Tide source reports that the 81st UNGA General Debate will hold from September 22 to 28,

The theme of the UNGA is, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Nkwocha explained that at the General Debate, Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement.

He said the statement would outline Nigeria’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The presidential aide also said that Shettima would participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week.

Nkwocha explained further that VP Shettima’s engagements would focus on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.

Similarly, he said Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries and international organisations, as well as development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

“The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.”

Nkwocha said that VP Shettima will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York.

Featured

No Asuu Strike, Please

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

The Tide

The latest threat by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shut down public universities should be a wake-up call to the Federal and state governments. The union has warned that it may activate its suspended strike unless outstanding issues concerning lecturers’ welfare and implementation of the 2025 agreement are urgently resolved. Another strike is certainly not what Nigerians want. After years of disruptions to the academic calendar, another prolonged industrial action would be devastating to students, parents and the university system.

ASUU says lecturers are still owed three-and-a-half months out of the seven-and-a-half months’ salaries withheld during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The union also complained about billions of naira in unremitted deductions for pensions, cooperative societies and other third-party obligations. Whatever the disagreements between ASUU and government, they should not degenerate into another prolonged dispute. Students should not continue to pay the price for disagreements between their lecturers and the government.

The government must act now by engaging the union in genuine negotiations, honouring agreements already reached and paying legitimate outstanding entitlements. The controversy over salary deductions should also be resolved. Where money has been deducted for specific purposes, such funds should be remitted promptly. Government should nip the threatened strike in the bud rather than wait until lecturers down tools. Students have already lost too much time, while parents continue to bear the financial burden of prolonged academic calendars.

ASUU, on its part, should consider the consequences of another strike and give dialogue every opportunity. Industrial action should be a last resort. The Federal and state governments should act without further delay. No ASUU strike, please.

Timoty Yamere,

Asaba, Delta State

2): As NASS Suspends Parliamentary Relations With South Africa

It is heartening that the leadership of the National Assembly has taken a firm position against recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa. The National Assembly recently announced the immediate suspension of parliamentary relations with South Africa in reaction to attacks targeting Nigerians in that country. According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamaldeen Ogunlana, the suspension covers official visits to South Africa by lawmakers, committees, officials and staff, as well as participation in conferences, seminars, workshops and other parliamentary engagements.

This is a bold and necessary step. It sends a clear message that Nigeria will not remain indifferent while its citizens are killed, intimidated, displaced or forced to abandon their businesses and properties. The action is particularly significant coming at a time when another Nigerian, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, was reportedly shot dead in Johannesburg. South African authorities must do more to protect Nigerians and other African nationals lawfully residing in the country. Reported attacks must be thoroughly investigated, perpetrators arrested and those found culpable prosecuted.

Nigeria played a significant role in the liberation and development of African countries, including South Africa. It is therefore unacceptable that Nigerians who legitimately live, work and invest there should repeatedly become victims of xenophobic violence. While the Federal Government should continue diplomatic engagement, it must demonstrate that the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain a priority. The 36 state Houses of Assembly should equally support the National Assembly’s position and demand adequate protection for Nigerians in South Africa.

Okwy Eziechi

Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt

3):RIVCHPP: More Lives, More Coverage

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) deserves commendation for making quality and affordable healthcare more accessible to residents. Since its operationalisation in January 2024, the agency has created awareness across the formal and informal sectors, resulting in the enrolment of more than 160,000 Rivers residents across the 23 Local Government Areas. This is no small achievement. For many families, access to healthcare can mean the difference between life and death. The rising cost of medical treatment has become a major burden, particularly for low-income households

. A functional health insurance scheme therefore provides access to treatment while protecting families from catastrophic health expenditure. It is encouraging that Rivers State has made significant progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The state reportedly attained 13th position nationally and was recognised as the most improved state at the 2025 joint annual review by the Federal Ministry of Health. Through RIVCHPP, many lives have been touched. Families that might otherwise have struggled to pay medical bills now have an avenue to access healthcare. Governor Siminalayi Fubara deserves commendation for sustaining the programme, while the Executive Secretary, Dr. Vetty Agala, and her team should be encouraged for taking the programme closer to the people.

However, more must be done. More Rivers residents, particularly those in the informal sector and vulnerable communities, should be brought under the scheme. Awareness campaigns should be intensified, while the quality of services available to enrollees should continually improve.

The ultimate goal should be to ensure that no Rivers resident is denied necessary medical treatment simply because he or she cannot afford to pay at the point of need.

RIVCHPP is a laudable initiative. We commend the governor and the management of the agency for the progress so far, but we ask for more: more enrolment, more coverage, better healthcare and more lives saved

Idanye Tamuno,

Port Harcourt Township

Featured

Fubara Signs 2026 Appropriation Bill Into Law, Hails New Era Of Cooperation

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the 2026 State Appropriation Bill into Law, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the State.

At a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed gratitude to God, stakeholders, and the State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget.

“First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward,” he said.

The governor commended the State lawmakers for their diligence and speed in handling the budget at a critical time in the State’s history.

“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, to the “Rivers First” mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.

“ I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear State,” he said.

Fubara specially acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law.

“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” he stated.

Fubara pledged to ensure a cordial working relationship with all arms of government and stakeholders going forward.

“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” he said.

The governor also appreciated his family for their support, noting that governance is a collective responsibility.

Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, who had earlier presented the bill to the governor for his assent, said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it will be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.

“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state. It is therefore with a sense of responsibility that I respectfully present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No 1. 2026 to the Governor of Rivers State for his assent,” Jack said.

In a remark shortly after the bill had been signed, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule commended Governor Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the Fubara administration is prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“We took time to look at the budget and from what we saw, we want to tell you that it shows that you are willing to move forward and ensure that this democracy is actually what will get to Rivers people,” Amaewhule said.

The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, Principal Officers of the State House of Assembly, and other government functionaries.