Rivers

LG Boss Assures On Five-Point Dev Agenda Implementation

Published

5 years ago

June 23, 2021

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Nwanosike has pledged to ensure the full implementation of his five-point agenda, so as to better the lives of his people and engender development in the area.
Nwanosike, who made the pledge during an interview with journalists after his swearing-in at Omagwa, listed his five-point agenda thus: To tackle insecurity; Go back to School; Back to farm; Improve on infrastructure situation in the area and to do a total revamping at the local government headquarters.
Nwanosike stated that insecurity was the foundation of the problem in the area and country at large, pledging to erase it completely from the area.
He stressed that Rivers State safe under the Nyesom Wike- led administration, as such are proud of him, noting that the curfew was the best thing any government can do to save the lives of his people.
Nwanosike commended the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for always listening and taking advice that would usher in peace as well as better the lives of the people of the state.
“My administration will continue to fight insecurity in order to bring in more investment and development to the area, he assured.
He appealed to the people of his LGA to remain calm and report any suspicious movement by calling his phone lines adding that security is everyone’ business.
Shedding light on the back to farm agenda, Nwanosike noted that the programme was working as the farmers they encouraged with some cash came back with their farm produce to thank them, stating that it an evidence that the gesture worked for the farmers.
He added that his KELGA was an agrarian area, hence the back to farm programme focused more on agriculture that would engage both men and women especially.
The Ikwerre council boss emphasised that the Go-back-to-school, Go-back-to-farm, building markets and hospitals were part of ways to create jobs, thereby empowering the people of the area so that they reap the dividends of democracy.
“My administration has put in place some of these social programmes to address the problem of unemployment, he siad.
He added that the Governor of Rivers State had charged them to ensure they implemented legacy projects, so that the people of the area benefit, Nwanosike assured that in less than 90 days, the people of his area will see lots of miracles happening in KELGA.
“I can assure you that on our five-point agenda campaign promises, we are going to dig deep and make sure that we conclude all the projects as well execute more projects that will increase the internal generation revenue of the area,” he said.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

5 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

5 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

5 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham