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Oborevwori Upgrades Delta NYSC Camp …Prioritises People-Oriented Governance

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The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has highlighted Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to inclusive and people-focused governance.
He cited the recent upgrade of infrastructure at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in the state as a reflection of this approach.
Izeze stated this during an inspection of ongoing construction of internal roads and drainage works at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
The Works Commissioner said the Governor was deeply concerned about the deplorable state of the internal roads at the camp and how Corps members might perceive the state.
He said, “Until now, the internal roads within the NYSC Orientation Camp were practically non-existent. That is the best way to describe it.
“If you are familiar with this area, you will see that the rainy season has begun, and everywhere is already muddy.
“The NYSC Orientation Camp, for some individuals, is their only encounter with Delta State. Some Corps members will attend camp, seek redeployment, and leave.
“The impression they leave with will be based solely on their experience at the Issele-Uku NYSC Orientation Camp and that becomes their lasting impression of Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori understands this. But more importantly, he believes that the three weeks Corps members spend at the Delta State orientation camp should be memorable and hospitable. Only a leader with a human face to governance can truly appreciate that.
“He understands this because he knows that his own children are also serving or have served in various parts of the country. He appreciates the importance of comfort within the precincts of the Orientation Camp.
“That is why he graciously approved the construction of all internal roads within the Orientation Camp particularly in areas where Corps members are lodged, where they hold parades, and engage in leisure activities.
“As a result, he approved the construction of 1.2 kilometers of roads with 2.4 kilometers of covered drainage.
“By the time this project is completed, you will understand why many of us refer to him as the ‘Governor Quality’ because of the high standard of finishing and the thoughtful aesthetic considerations.”
On his part, the contractor, Mr. Rony Karam, said the project is expected to be completed within two months, as most of the drainage work has already been done.
“As you can see, we are nearly done with the drainage. Very soon, we will begin the earthworks, stone base, and asphalt laying. We expect to complete the project within two months”, the contractor said.
In a related development, Commissioner Izeze expressed disappointment over the abandoned Nnemiyi erosion control project, which was intended to connect to the storm drainage system linking the Okpanam–Ibusa Bypass Road.
“This is a project we inherited from the previous administration. That tells you it’s over two years old. I can say with all sense of responsibility that this project has clearly been frustrated. It is my intention to report back to the Governor.
“From what I see here, the project has stalled due to the contractor’s failure to meet the terms of the agreement for reasons best known to him. Therefore, I will recommend to His Excellency that the project be terminated due to clear failure and frustration”, Izez said.

Albert Ograka,
Asaba

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Niger Delta

850-bed UCTH overstretched, services 5m patients – CMD

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The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, has said the 850-bed hospital is overstretched, as it currently serves over five million patients.
He disclosed this on Friday during a media tour of the facility to showcase ongoing renovations and facelift in the hospital.
The CMD noted that, aside being the only tertiary healthcare facility servicing the state, UCTH also serviced neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi.
He said the hospital also received referrals from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic.
According to him, the 850-bed hospital faced persistent space constraints because of increasing patients inflow and expanding healthcare demands.
“This hospital currently operates 62 clinical and non-clinical departments as well as  between 30 and 38 wards covering medical, surgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and specialised services.
“Most wards have undergone facelift, remodelling, or complete renovation to improve patient care and working conditions for healthcare professionals”, he said.
He disclosed that the hospital was constructing a new 106-bed emergency medicine facility to address the rising demand for healthcare services.
According to him, the facility will include trauma bays, intensive care units, neonatal wards, and three fully equipped trauma theatres.
Speaking on the remodeled wards, Ikpeme explained that they followed modern nursing principles, allowing one nurse to attend to a maximum of 10 patients.
He said relatives would be restricted to designated waiting areas to reduce interference with medical procedures and improve emergency response efficiency.
The CMD noted that the hospital had strengthened specialist services in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, radiology, and minimally invasive surgery.
“UCTH now performs hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and complex brain tumour surgeries.
“Our surgeons also conduct keyhole procedures for appendectomy, hysterectomy and other conditions with faster patient recovery periods,” he said
In power, the CMD said the hospital relied on solar power from a seven-megawatt plant, constructed by the Federal Government at the University of Calabar, as well as public power supply, and generators to sustain its operations.
He appealed to governments, organisations, and philanthropists to support infrastructure expansion, equipment procurement, and specialised healthcare projects.
The CMD said the hospital required additional incubators, ward expansions, and a stand-alone amenity facility for private healthcare services.
He used the opportunity to dismiss allegations of ethnic discrimination, insisting that the hospital does not reject workers or patients based on tribe or origin.
According to him, the institution recently honoured an Igbo pioneer physician by naming a ward after him in recognition of decades of service.
The CMD said the hospital maintained strict disciplinary procedures to address negligence, poor attitude, and unethical conduct among staff.
The Tide’s source reports that some of the units visited include, intensive care unit, Department of Radiology, Urology Clinic, and Opthalmology Clinic.
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Niger Delta

Police Burst Child Trafficking Syndicate In A’Ibom … Nab 3 Suspects

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The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has busted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested three suspects for conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby in the State.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfom John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday, said the three female suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1900hrs.
She said a complainant reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7 and shockingly, shortly after delivery sold the newborn child to one of the suspects for N145, 000.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate”, John said.
She said the State’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing in the state.
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A’Ibom Launches Operation Crack Down Scrap Dealers 

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The Akwa-Ibom State Government has launched a statewide crackdown on unregistered scrap dealers and scavengers, shutting down illegal operations and arresting operators accused of violating environmental and public safety regulations.
The enforcement operation, led by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), followed the implementation of the state’s Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026, officials said.
AKSEPWMA Chairman, Obong Prince Ikim, said the exercise was aimed at regulating the scrap sector, protect the environment, and prevent criminal groups from operating under the guise of waste collection and metal trading.
“If you want to do scrap business, you must register,” Mr. Ikim said during the operation in Uyo, the state capital.
“Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities”, he said.
According to him, dump site operators and scrap dealers who failed to register with the government risked closure and prosecution.
Authorities accused some operators of involvement in vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that investigations had uncovered criminal activities linked to several dump sites across the state.
“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” Mr. Ikim said.
He added that the state government and security agencies would continue efforts to enforce compliance and maintain public order.
“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the Governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter”, he said.
Police officials involved in the operation said investigations showed that some criminal suspects used scrap yards and refuse dump sites as cover for illegal activities.
CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said some suspects pretended to be mentally unstable while hiding ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters around dump locations.
The police officer praised the environmental agency for what he described as proactive efforts to sanitise the sector and pledged continued cooperation between law enforcement and the agency.
Officials said some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face prosecution.
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