Niger Delta

Constitution Review: ‘Healthcare, A Priority’

Published

13 years ago

January 25, 2013

Senate President David Mark has decried what he described as low
attention given to healthcare delivery in the country by the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking, at the opening of the 1st National Health
Summit by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Mark said the situation was
unacceptable, as the Constitution was unfair to Nigerians with the place it
gave to healthcare.

He, however, said that the wrong would be corrected in
the ongoing review of the Constitution by the National Assembly and urged the
NMA to be part of the process.

The senate president said he was aware that the
association was excluded at previous public sessions of the Constitution review
committee, but gave the assurance that he would ensure the inclusion of the
body in subsequent sittings of the committee.

He also admitted that the Federal Government’s input in
the national health care system had remained inadequate and said that the
anomaly would be addressed.

The Senate president said that there were many bills on
health matters pending at the National Assembly and stated that one of them,
the National Health Bill, would receive accelerated attention for passage.

“We will work assiduously to pass the bill, which is
aimed at providing a framework for the regulation, development and management
of national healthcare centres to render effective health services to the
nation,’’ he said.

He reminded medical doctors of the mission statement of
their profession and their individual oaths at induction and urged them not to
deviate from it.

The Senate President charged participants at the summit
to come up with recommendations that would stimulate the promulgation of new
policies for the health sector.

He assured the association of his collaboration with it
at all times, and commended it for its contributions in ameliorating the
sufferings of victims of the recent flood incident around the country.

In an address the President of NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele,
said the summit was to afford medical doctors the opportunity of brainstorming
on how to rebuild the nation’s health sector instead of lamenting over its
inadequacies.

He said that the association was committed to making the
summit a platform for the development of the sector in order to restore the
confidence of Nigerians in the medical profession.

Enabulele urged all Nigerians
to show commitment in fixing the health sector, adding that unless that was done,
the nation’s vision 20-20-20 would be a mirage.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.