Rivers

Rivers HIV/AIDS Prevalence To Reduce Soon – Programme Manager

Published

2 years ago

December 11, 2023

There are indications that the current HIV/AIDS prevalence in Rivers State of 3.8% will futher be reduced in 2024, according to the Programme Manager for the Rivers State AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Contract Programme, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ufuoma Edewor.

Edewor, who disclosed this recently in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, hinted that Rivers State is taking precautionary measures to ensure a reduction in the State’s HIV prevalence.

She noted that the last HIV/AIDS survey carried out by the Nigeria Impact and Indicator Survey (NAIIS) in 2018, the result of which was released in 2019, placed Rivers State as the third highest in prevalence in the country at 3.8%, but that since then a lot has been done in the State to further bring down the prevalence in the State.

She further noted that before the 2018 NAIIS survey, Rivers State had 15.2% prevalence.

“There’s a significant reduction even though we’re above the national prevalence rate of 1.4%.

“Rivers State has 3.8%, but we’re very certain that by the next survey, most likely next year, we’re very certain that the prevalence on Rivers State would have come down significantly”, she stated

She explained that part of why reduction in HIV prevalence is expected in Rivers State is the fact that there’s an increase in suppression of the HIV virus among people living positively.

“We have over 87% of those that are taking these (HIV) drugs in whom the virus is suppressed.

“What this means is that when they go for the HIV test, because the test we routinely do is a test of anti-bodies, but because the quantity of the virus present is so suppressed, they do not mount that anti-bodies. That’s why some times it appears like self-converted to negative.

“When the virus is suppressed, they are not able to transmit. So, we believe that the transmission would have been reduced. It is possible that we would have a significant reduction in the prevalence”, she explained.

Dr. Edewor, therefore, called on people to come out enmass to join in the HIV campaign in the State, noting that on a weekly basis, over 4000 HIV tests are carried out across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

Speaking on the expected reduction in HIV prevalence in the State, the Programme Director, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), Rivers State, Dr. Stanley Idakwo, said the institute had worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure an increase in people on treatment.

“IHVN came into Rivers State in 2019, and in collaboration with all stakeholders, with support from Rivers State Government, and we have been able to work collaboratively since 2019.

“We started the program with just about 24,000 people on treatment. So far, we can confirm that over 80% of clients who are infected know their status and are currently on treatment in the State”, he said.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor