Rivers
Anti-Quackery Committee Seals 72 Facilities, Arrest 12 Persons
The Rivers State Anti-Quackery Committee has sealed over 72 facilities and arrested 12 persons since it began operations in the state.
Chairman of the committee and Director, Medical Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, said this recently while briefing journalists on the activities of the committee in Port Harcourt.
Wachukwu, who was the Director, Medical Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, said many of the arrested persons are undergoing investigation for possible prosecution, while a few others have been prosecuted.
According to him, despite the much efforts being put in by the committee and the Rivers State Government to rid the state of quacks, they still operate in several parts of the state, including Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and its environs.
The Chairman assured that the committee and the government are committed in protecting the lives of Rivers people and ensuring that they get proper care from qualified health personnel.
“We have really worked so hard since the inception of this Anti-Quackery Committee. We have sealed about 72 hospitals, we have arrested 12 persons in connection with quackery.
“If you also recall, there was a hospital that was sealed sometime ago in Oyigbo that was being manned by a Korean.
“He was arrested and detained by the Department of State Security (DSS) and probably for diplomatic reasons he was deported and so his own activity in Nigeria has ended. Some people have also been imprisoned because of their activities”, he said.
He lamented further that “despite the efforts of this committee and the government to rid Rivers State of these quacks, it would surprise you to note that these practices are still going on in so many areas and local governments unabated, including Port Harcourt, Obio/ Akpor and its environs.
“Now based on these, the committee has continued in its activity of visiting these facilities to look into what they are doing and to take necessary actions”.
Giving a breakdown of its recent successes, Wachukwu said last Friday, some facilities and individuals operating illegally within Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the state were sealed for various offences, including operating without licences, unhealthy environments, and operating from residential apartments.
He listed the sealed facilities and individuals to include Sosan Medical Center and Laboratory/Nursing School, located off Okporo Road; Bristol Clinic and Maternity, Rumuodumaya, operated by one Mr. Kingsley Ugwu, a suspected fake Doctor; Adoration Hospital and Maternity Limited, Omagwa; Lucky Pharmacy, Omagwa, and Miss Rejoice Ogbia, a patent medicine dealer in Aluu, who was reported to be carrying out unauthorized practices beyond her scope of trainning.
He also warned medical practitioners against colluding with quacks to sabotage the healthcare sector in the state.
“We also want to use this opportunity to warn some of our health workers to desist from some of their activities because some of them are aiding and abetting some of these things that are happening.
“You can’t imagine a doctor going to a maternity to do surgery when primary healthcare center that is built and being runed by government is not authorized to do surgery”, he stated.
Wachukwu also urged the media to be wary of the kind of advertorials they publish in order not to deceive the public into patronising quacks.
He used the opportunity to reiterate the ban on all unauthorized medical outreaches by NGOs, individuals, and churches.
“We also want to use this medium to warn, once more, that no religious organisation, no private hospital, no NGO, no civil society organisation, no individual, not even a company is authorized to carryout any form of free medical care without an approval from the Ministry of Health through the office of the Director of Medical Services”, he added.
While urging the people to desist from patronising quacks, Wachukwu said they should take advantage of the Rivers State Contributory Health Insurance Programme (RIVCHIP) to access near-free healthcare services.
He also commended the efforts of various health organisations, security agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, religious groups and individuals for their support.
On his part, the Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, said the association would not defend any doctor found indulging in illegal practice.
He urged all facilities to get the requisite approvals from the Ministry of Health.
“What Rivers people and the Rivers State Government are saying is that quacks are no longer allowed in the health sector in Rivers State. If you are not registered with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, you’re not qualified to do what you are doing.
“If you are practicing in a place that’s not supposed to be used for a hospital, then you should desist from it from now because the Anti-Quackery Committee will get you.
“We are going beyond just Obio/ Akpor and Port Harcourt. We are going to places far away from the main cities. The moment the committee gets you, you’ll be arrested and prosecuted.
“The NMA is not going to defend you because you’re a doctor, the NMA will do the right thing to ensure that you serve the punishment you are supposed to serve. Lives of Rivers people matter and it’s our collective duty to protect those lives”, he stated.
by: John Bibor
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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor