Rivers

RSG Restates Commitment To Health

Published

15 years ago

February 18, 2011

Rivers State Government says health and its related matters have been one of the priority areas of the present administration since its inception.

The state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, stated this while speaking at a two-day national review meeting of the National Malaria Control Programme in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi, who spoke through the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Chinda, said the state government has always made its contribution to health, stating that it is in this administration in 2008 that the “state went beyond the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved total budget for health”.

He disclosed that Rivers State has consistently supported malaria control through the provision of commodities and capacity building of the operators of the project.

While informing that the state has commenced the biolavicide project in conjunction with LABIOFAM of CUBA, the Governor said all preliminary base line studies have been done to kick start the actual spraying.

Governor Amaechi said the state is also in the process of building a factory to produce biolavicide, which, he said, will serve the whole country, and called on the federal government to lead the advocacy for all states to adopt this strategy.

Also speaking, Dr. Babajide Coker, the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Control Programme, said every Nigerian has the right to access highly effective malaria preventive services and curative care delivered as close to their households as possible.

Coker said the goal of the meeting is to reduce the malaria burden by at least 50% and ensure that the disease no longer constitute a public health problem.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Anthony Nwiado, said, apart from direct strategies of vector control, intermittent presumptive treatment and case management within the malaria programme, the state government has gone ahead to provide well-equipped primary health centres where services are readily available for the populace.

Dr. Parker said the emergency medical services has land ambulances , which evacuates patients from the hinterland and help reduce childhood deaths from complicated malaria, while boat ambulances and a boat hospital has also been acquired to take care of the riverine communities.

He said the state government is collaborating with multinational companies such as Chevron, Total-Fina-Elf, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Africare in the quest to control malaria.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

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

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

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.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

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.