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Wike Wins Silverbird Man Of The Year Award …Urges Residents To Work For Rivers’ Dev

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike , has emerged the Silverbird Man of the Year, 2017.
Wike emerged winner from a keenly contested vote by members of the public.
The winner of the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year was nominated for embarking on massive infrastructure development in Rivers State, earning him the title , ‘Mr Projects’.
According to the sponsors of the event, the award ceremony will hold on February 23, 2018, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Past winners of the Silverbird Man of the Year, which was instituted to recognize individuals who have affected the lives of Nigerians positively include, late Prof Dora Akunyili, Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of Globacom Nigeria Limited, Dr Mike Adenuga, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dagote.
Others are former finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, former Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on Rivers people to work in unity for the development of the state.
Speaking during the State New Year Banquet at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, Wike said Rivers people must not relegate the issue of the state’s development under any circumstance.
He said: “All Rivers people must work in the interest of the state. Let us work together for the development of the state. Let us not compromise on the development of our beloved state”.
He assured the people of the state that in 2018 that the state government will roll out projects in rapid succession.
The governor said that 2018 will not be treated as a political year because his administration was focused on the delivery of projects and programmes.
He said: “Whether or not this is a political year or not, we will work hard for the people of the state. Beginning January 2, work starts in earnest.
“When we walk on the road, people are happy with the work we are doing. This spurs us to work harder for the people. We are improving on the foundation laid by the former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili.”
He said in the course of the third-year anniversary of his administration, key projects will be completed and commissioned.
Wike said that the Saakpenwa-Bori Road, the Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Elelenwo Road, Woji-Akpajo Bridge and the Obiri-Ikwerre Road will be completed.
He said that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo unity road will reach advanced stage with the people of Andoni driving to Ngo town by June, 2018.
The governor thanked the leaders of the state for their support over the years, and added that the support and cooperation of the Legislature and the Judiciary helped his administration to move the state forward.
He said that his administration was committed to the welfare of Rivers people, stressing that no amount of distraction will make him lose focus.
“I will defend the interest of Rivers State anywhere. Whatever is given to other people to resolve their challenges, should also be given to us.

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Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims At Rivers Health College

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The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.
In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.
“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.
She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.
“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.
Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.
While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.
The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasised integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.
Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritise accuracy in reporting.

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Hausa Leader Lauds Fubara For Sustaining Peace, Security In Rivers

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The Chairman of the Arewa Traditional Council of Chiefs in Rivers State, Alhaji Hussaini Isa Madaki, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his efforts in sustaining peace and security of lives and property across the state.
Madaki, who is also the Sarkin Hausawa in Rivers State, described the governor as a leader who has embraced the Hausa community as part of the larger family in the state.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, Madaki noted that Governor Fubara has demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness by not segregating any ethnic group, particularly the Hausa community.
He added that the governor’s peaceful disposition has positioned Rivers State as one of the most accommodating and peaceful states in the country.
Madaki further assured that the Hausa community would continue to give maximum support to the Fubara-led administration until the end of its tenure.
He also urged members of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they go about their lawful activities.
On community development, Madaki disclosed that district and ward heads have been appointed and crowned across Hausa settlements in the State to ensure proper coordination and profiling of residents. According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening security, enhancing identification, and improving crisis management at the grassroots level.
He explained that the move became necessary due to recurring security concerns, including disturbances allegedly caused by some scavengers and cart pushers.
Madaki called on the newly appointed leaders to promote inclusiveness, harmony, and peaceful coexistence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Those appointed include Alhaji Abubakar as Port Harcourt City District Head; Alhaji Buba Usman (Eleme axis); Malam Adamu (Eagle Island); Alhaji Tanlasuki (Gborokiri Yam Zone); Abdullahi (Rumukwurushi); Adamu Suleiman (Aboloma); and Useni Umaru (D-Line).
He appealed to Governor Fubara to formally recognise the efforts of the Hausa leadership structure in the State and extend further support in the spirit of inclusivity and unity.

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Spread RIVCHPP Message, Dr Agala Urges Rivers Residents

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Residents of Rivers State have been called upon to actively promote the programmes of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to enhance awareness and boost enrolment across the state.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, made the appeal during a sensitisation and enrolment engagement held at the palace of the Eze-elect of Oyigbo, Eze Samuel N. Azuh, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Dr. Agala was represented at the event by the Head of Planning of the agency, Dr. Juliet Aleme.
She emphasised that increased awareness of the health insurance scheme would enable more residents to understand and benefit from the initiative, which is designed to provide access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship at the point of need.
According to her, RIVCHPP is a comprehensive health insurance scheme open to residents across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. She noted that the programme reflects the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to improving the welfare of citizens, particularly by ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare.
Dr. Agala further disclosed that both the federal and state governments have already covered health insurance premiums for a segment of the population classified as vulnerable, urging more residents to enrol and take advantage of the scheme.
In his response, the Eze-elect of Oyigbo, Eze Samuel N. Azuh (Eze Oha III), expressed appreciation to RIVCHPP and Pamo University for bringing the sensitisation and health outreach to the community. He commended the state government for sustaining the initiative and assured that his people would embrace the opportunity to enrol.
The traditional ruler, however, appealed for an expansion of the vulnerable category to accommodate more citizens. He also urged the agency to include coverage for eye-related ailments and surgical procedures in its benefit package.
Earlier, the Head of Community Medicine at Pamo University, Iriebe, Dr. Chidinma Opara, revealed that research conducted by 600-level medical students indicated low awareness of RIVCHPP programmes and poor utilisation of primary healthcare centres in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
She explained that the findings prompted the institution to collaborate with RIVCHPP to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly targeting underserved communities, to ensure wider access to the scheme’s benefits.
As part of the collaboration, a facility visit was conducted to the Pamo University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, for an on-the-spot assessment of its facilities. Discussions are currently underway between RIVCHPP and the hospital’s management to onboard the facility as a service provider for enrollees under the scheme.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by RIVCHPP to expand its reach and strengthen healthcare delivery across Rivers State.

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