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Ohafia Set To Bury Udumeze

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2 years ago

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The Elu Ohafia Community and residents of Ohafia Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, are putting finishing touches to preparations to accord a befitting burial to Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Paramountcy, Prof Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga, the Ezieogo of Elu Ohafia. The burial has been fixed for July 3 to July 6, 2024 at his country home in Elu.

The burial Central Working Committee, chaired by Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, with Chief Ume Kalu(SAN) as co-chairman, has in a press statement signed by the Secretary, Uma Ntima indicated that preparations are in top gear to give the deceased monarch a befitting burial, befitting his status and accomplishments.

The committee also hinted that after a thanksgiving at the Presbyterian Church, Isiama Parish on Sunday, July 7, a renowned cleric, Dr Uma Ukpai would conduct an interdenominational service, comprising the monarchs of the 26 villages, the Ohafia clergy and community leaders at Achichi Ohafia.

During the Udumeze’s final rites of passage, the unique Ohafia tradition, customs and culture will be on display while not undermining his Christian faith and belief.

According to the statement, the academic community, where the deceased monarch spent his adult life, culminating to the attainment of the status of a professor, will not also be left out in the chain of activities, as a day of tributes and exhibition of his academic works will equally form part of the obsequies.

The burial also promises to be grand with the expected atmosphere of conviviality and camaraderie pervading the entire Ohafia landscape, as various parties and groups in his country home in Elu, have resolved to unite and come together, to actively participate in the weeklong activities lined up to bid the late Udumeze a deserving farewell.

The burial committee has, therefore, enjoined all well-meaning Ohafia sons and daughters, residing in Nigeria and in the diaspora, including friends, neighbouring communities and in-laws of the Ohafia people to participate physically and virtually in all the activities marking the final rites of passage for the late Udumeze.

The Udumeze’s Elu Community is expectedly wearing a new look, as efforts are being made to give not just the community but also the palace of the deceased an aesthetic and beautiful outlook.

Besides, series of meetings, both physically and virtually are being held to put everything functionally in place, especially as the July 6 burial date is fast approaching.The burial uniforms, comprising T-shirts, ankara and george materials have also been released at subsidised rates, to make the burial truly colourful.

It is also noteworthy that the entire Ohafia people across the 26 villages are totally committed to the burial of the late Udumeze with the sundry financial donations, contributions and support trickling in on a daily basis, from across the country and the diaspora, to ensure a hitch-free and successful burial for the late monarch.

 

By: Donatus Ebi

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World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

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5 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.
This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.
Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.
In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.
“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.
She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.
“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.
She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.
By John Bibor
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Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

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5 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.
In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.
He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.
Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.
According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.
Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.
He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.
The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.
He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.
Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.
He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.
“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.
The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.
John Bibor
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Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

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5 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

 

Tonye Orabere

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