News
National ID System To Check Corruption
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity
authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the
banking sector.
Onyemenam,
who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying
genuine social welfare needs.
“ We
would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity
authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking
sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it
down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of
course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various
other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis
of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans
and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I
want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to
deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam
acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm
shift.
“In
terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is
not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible
and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government
done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently
we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the
difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The
concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession
and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking
sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking
at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure
that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make
this happen,’’ he said.
The
director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the
project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance
of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36
enrolment centres.
“The
first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two
major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The
director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing
compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can
confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had
to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each
time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very
thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam
who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said
however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s
the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you
that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam
said government investment in the project would be recouped through the
sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The
sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government
will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And
once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely,
so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’
he added.
National ID System To Check Corruption
NEWS
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the banking sector.
Onyemenam, who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying genuine social welfare needs.
“ We would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm shift.
“In terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make this happen,’’ he said.
The director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36 enrolment centres.
“The first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam said government investment in the project would be recouped through the sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely, so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’ he added.
National ID System To Check Corruption
NEWS
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the banking sector.
Onyemenam, who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying genuine social welfare needs.
“ We would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm shift.
“In terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make this happen,’’ he said.
The director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36 enrolment centres.
“The first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam said government investment in the project would be recouped through the sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely, so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’ he added.
National ID System To Check Corruption
NEWS
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the banking sector.
Onyemenam, who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying genuine social welfare needs.
“ We would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm shift.
“In terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make this happen,’’ he said.
The director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36 enrolment centres.
“The first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam said government investment in the project would be recouped through the sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely, so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’ he added.
National ID System To Check Corruption
NEWS
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the banking sector.
Onyemenam, who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying genuine social welfare needs.
“ We would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm shift.
“In terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make this happen,’’ he said.
The director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36 enrolment centres.
“The first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam said government investment in the project would be recouped through the sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely, so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’ he added.
National ID System To Check Corruption
NEWS
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the banking sector.
Onyemenam, who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying genuine social welfare needs.
“ We would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm shift.
“In terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make this happen,’’ he said.
The director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36 enrolment centres.
“The first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam said government investment in the project would be recouped through the sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely, so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’ he added.
National ID System To Check Corruption
NEWS
The Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onyemenam, said in Abuja yesterday that the new identity authentication and verification exercise would curtail fraud, especially in the banking sector.
Onyemenam, who made the statement when he featured at the forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the system would also address challenges of identifying genuine social welfare needs.
“ We would have instituted the various service schemes in particular, identity authentication and verification which, in our opinion as far as the banking sector is concerned, would help to mitigate the incidence of fraud and bring it down to as low as 10 per cent, if not completely eliminating it.
“And of course, we can then say to ourselves we can help NAPEP, we can help various other social welfare programmes because we have the data base. And on the basis of the data base, it can then become possible to make deliberate policy plans and implement them along those lines, because it is easier for you to say I want to deal with this category of citizens, and you will have the basis to deal with them,” he said.
Onyemenam acknowledged Federal Government’s support to the commission in the paradigm shift.
“In terms of the cost, I think the best thing to do is to say that look, this is not going to come cheap, however, we are being as extremely prudent as possible and government is mindful to ensure sustainability. “And what has government done? There is private sector participation, there is concession and currently we are looking at the concession to see how this can be reworked so that the difficulties in implementing that concession could be addressed.
“The concession was put in place just about the time the world experienced recession and soon after that, we began to experience various reforms in the banking sector, so access to credit has been a difficult issue. And so, we are looking at reviewing it. But more importantly, government took certain steps to ensure that private sector can take investment decisions that are necessary to make this happen,’’ he said.
The director-general also attested to increased private sector participation in the project, as well as government increased funding, through approval of issuance of 50 million cards at no cost to beneficiaries, and payment for the first 36 enrolment centres.
“The first 36 enrolment centres have been paid for by government, now these are two major cost items that have been taken care of by government,’’ Onyemenam said.
The director-general pointed out that the current government investment was nothing compared to the investment in the failed identity card project.
“I can confirm to you that government is being extremely prudent with this. I have had to present and represent to cabinet committees, to Mr President-in-Council.
“Each time I come for approval from government, I have had to go through very thorough process, I am examined and re-examined.
Onyemenam who did not state the amount that has been spent on the project so far, said however, that government approvals had been consistent since March, 2006.
“That’s the beauty of the uniqueness of this project. So I will not want to say to you that this project has cost us so far X amount, or that it will cost Y amount.’’
Onyemenam said government investment in the project would be recouped through the sustainability arrangement put in place for the success of the system.
“The sustainability arrangement built around the project is such that government will recoup the investment that it is making over time.
“And once that guarantee is there, I think what we need is to be prudent and timely, so that revenue recoup and recapture can begin to happen sooner than later,’’ he added.
The Africa Global Development For Positive Change Initiative (ADIAfrica), in collaboration with Stephen Igwe and Judith Igwe International Educational System, has concluded a free eye screening outreach for residents of Rivers State.
The outreach, which was flagged off in Port Harcourt, targeted more than 300 individuals with various eye conditions. Speaking at the event, the International President of ADIAfrica, Prince Dan Mbachi, said the initiative was designed to provide access to essential eye care services for underserved communities.
According to him, the first phase of the exercise commenced in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and is expected to extend to Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, while the second phase will cover other parts of the state.
Mbachi described the outreach as part of the organization’s commitment to promoting quality healthcare, equity, human dignity, and sustainable development. He emphasized that vision challenges go beyond medical concerns, noting their impact on education, economic productivity, and family wellbeing.
“At ADIAfrica International, we recognize that vision is not merely a medical issue; it is also economic, educational, and social. A child who cannot see clearly struggles to learn. A trader with impaired vision struggles to work. When sight is compromised, opportunity is limited,” he said.
He explained that the exercise provided eye tests, medications, visual field assessments, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related accessories, stressing that the intervention was aimed at transforming lives rather than serving as a mere charitable gesture.
Mbachi further noted that the initiative aligns with ADIAfrica’s broader mission of advancing sustainable development through practical and people-centered solutions.
Also speaking at the event, a chief from Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chief Livingston Akaninwo, commended the organisation and its partners for supporting vulnerable members of society. The traditional ruler expressed concern that many people with eye conditions suffer silently due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
He called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support ADIAfrica’s efforts to enable the outreach to reach more communities across the state.Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Veronica Peters Olera Pere, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the initiative and appealed for the programme to be extended to other parts of Rivers State to benefit more residents.
By: John Bibor
A three-day intensive training programme aimed at empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, life skills, and advocacy tools to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote their wellbeing has ended at Okogbe Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The programme, which held from February 26 to February 28, 2026, was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. It brought together adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 years drawn from five communities in the area, including Ubeta, Okogbe, Okaki, Akinima, and Akoh.
The training was designed to reactivate and strengthen girls’ clubs across Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Emohua Local Government Areas, with a strong focus on ending harmful traditional practices and equipping participants with knowledge to improve their health, safety, and social wellbeing.
Throughout the three days, facilitators engaged the girls in interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics such as menstrual hygiene, puberty education, communication skills, gender-based violence, child rights, personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and the importance of empathy and peer support. Particular attention was given to the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM, which experts described as a serious violation of the rights of women and girls.
One of the facilitators, child protection advocate, Inyingi Irimagha, specifically of the Child Protection Network(CPN), emphasised the need to challenge harmful cultural practices that negatively affect girls, noting that culture should evolve when it threatens human dignity and health.
UNICEF Desk Officer at the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Victor Iseberetonma, also stressed that empowering young girls with knowledge and confidence remains one of the most effective strategies for eliminating FGM.
He attributed the successful organisation of the programme to the doggedness and commitment demonstrated by UNICEF, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, and others in making sure that no stone was left unturned for the smooth take-off of the programme, and particularly thanked UNICEF for the great work it is doing in the State.
Other facilitators, including Mr Unah Uchenna and Miss Lucy Uzodinma shared similar sentiments, and called for total elimination of FGM in the society.
Many of the participants described the training as enlightening and transformative, saying, it exposed them to important life lessons they had never received before. One of the girls said the programme helped her understand not only the dangers of FGM but also how to support others emotionally.
“It has educated us about what is wrong, especially about FGM and other issues affecting girls.
“We learned how to talk to people, how to empathise, how to console someone, and how to make others feel relaxed and understood,” Morrow Onisokien Burebure said.
Another participant explained that the programme went beyond discussions on harmful practices to include personal development and daily living skills.
“We learned about our values and how we should live our lives,” she said. “They taught us about menstrual hygiene, how to use sanitary materials properly, how to keep our bodies clean, wash our hands, and how to be friendly even with people we don’t know,” said Dowel Victory Bakewari of Community Secondary School, Akinima.
The participants also pledged to become advocates for change in their communities. One of them stated that she would share the knowledge gained during the training with others back home.
“I will tell people about the effects of FGM and how to stop it.We need to create awareness so that people will understand why it should not continue,” Ake Beauty enthused.
Another participant noted that the training gave her a better understanding of her body and the responsibilities that come with adolescence.
“It is good because we were taught what we need to know about our bodies as girls,” she said. We learned things we should do and things we should not do, and the dangers of FGM. I will tell people in my community that they should stop practising it,” Ebere Testimony Kenneth of Akala-Olu Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata said.
Some participants also expressed appreciation to the organisers for bringing the programme to their in communities, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. One of them simply said, “We thank the organisers for what they have done so far. They have helped us learn things that will protect our future.”
Facilitators at the programme explained that FGM remains deeply rooted in cultural traditions in some communities, which makes sustained awareness and community engagement essential. They noted that while culture plays an important role in society, harmful practices must be abandoned once they are recognised as dangerous.
According to the organisers, the programme successfully met its objectives by equipping participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to speak out against harmful practices. They emphasised that the girls trained would serve as peer educators and change agents within their communities.
The organisers furthermore reaffirmed their commitment to continuing advocacy in efforts, strengthening girls’ clubs, and expanding grassroots awareness campaigns across Rivers State.
As the programme came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and determination. For the young participants, the training was not just an educational exercise but a call to action — one that has placed them at the forefront of effort to protect the rights, health, and future of girls in their communities.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Rivers State Government has officially opened the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Centre in Port Harcourt for public use, commencing free screening for cancer and various cardiovascular diseases.
The disclosure was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Professor Justinah Jumbo, during a cancer awareness walk held in Port Harcourt to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day.
The awareness walk, which began at the centre located in Rumuepirikom, formed part of activities to celebrate World Cancer Day and to sensitise residents about the availability of cancer screening and treatment services at the newly opened facility.
Professor Jumbo explained that the event was designed to inform the public that the centre is now fully operational for cancer screening and treatment. She noted that the facility, constructed by the immediate past administration in the state, is aimed at reducing the need for residents to travel abroad for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary-designate and Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachuku, said the walk was not only to commemorate World Cancer Day but also to draw attention to the centre’s readiness to serve patients within and outside Rivers State.
“We are here today because it is World Cancer Day. Beyond the walk, we want to let everyone know that this centre is open and ready to provide services to people suffering from any form of cancer, whether they are from within the state, outside the state, or anywhere in the world,” he said.
Dr. Wachuku added that, as part of the launch activities, the government has approved free screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and other related conditions for an initial period. He noted that while the free services may not be permanent, future charges would be highly subsidised.
According to him, the government is also putting measures in place to support patients who may not be able to afford treatment at the centre.
The Chief Executive Officer of the facility, Tony Rahme, assured residents that the centre would provide services comparable to global standards. He stated that the hospital currently has 65 bed spaces and is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts from different countries, including Filipino nurses, to manage cancer and cardiovascular cases.
Rahme explained that the centre is equipped to handle advanced oncology surgeries, cardiovascular procedures, kidney treatment, cardiothoracic surgery, and a wide range of nephrology services.
He disclosed that over 70 to 100 individuals had already been screened as part of the commencement activities, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to all segments of society.
By: John Bibor
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