Rivers

PTAD Assures On Eradication Of Ghost Pensioners

Published

10 years ago

March 11, 2015

The Pension Transitional
Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) says the on-going verification exercise is aimed at eradicating ghost pensioners, multiple payments as well as ensuring that genuine pensioners were registered.
The Head of Communication of the Director, Mr. Steve Omanufeme said this during the one week verification exercise of police pensioners in Rivers State.
According to him, the exercise was conducted simultaneously in six other states, which included Benin, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
He also disclosed that after the Police Pensioners verification other federal departments that were under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) would commence theirs in due time.
Meanwhile, the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON) has commended the Directorate for its transparency while conducting the verification exercise.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the Provost of the Association, Rivers Chapter, Benebo Wariboko commended the officials of PTAD for a job well done.
“The officials of PTAD has been very cooperative with the pensioners. Wheel chairs were provided to aid the very sick ones who are unable to walk. I have never been to any verification exercise that launch was provided, but we were given lunch during the exercise”, he said.
He also noted that adequate information was given to them, which ensured the massive turn out by the Pensioners including the sick ones.
Wariboko also thanked members of his association for cooperating with PTAD officials and comporting themselves properly throughout the exercise.
Also speaking the Secretary of the Association, Bayelsa State Chapter, Elder Thompson John Ekpe said the exercise was well arranged as it was less stressful for the pensioners.
According to him, PTAD has assured those who are suffering because of the non payment of their pensions, that they will be paid in due time.
“Complaint forms were given to them to fill and they assured us that these cases will be specially handled in Abuja”.

Benice Iragunima

Rivers

JONAPWD Elections: Commissioner Inaugurates 5-Man Committee

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, has inaugurated a 5-man electoral committee to oversee the forth-coming elections of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in the State (JONAPWD).

Members of the committee were carefully selected from five clusters, representing various categories of persons with disabilities, including visually and hearing impaired, spinal cord injury, physically challenged, and persons with albinism, to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in his office in Port-Harcourt, Mr. Arugu emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process and charged the committee members to “conduct the election with integrity, impartiality, and the fear of God”.

The Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner also tasked the committee with developing a comprehensive plan for the election within two weeks and to report any challenges they encounter within the same timeframe to ensure prompt solutions to facilitate a seamless election.

In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Nwankwo Ndubuisi, expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner on behalf of his colleagues for entrusting them with the mandate and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

“I’d like to thank the Commissioner for this opportunity, and I assure him that we’ll work diligently to ensure a successful election”, the Chairman said.

Mr. Ndubuisi also thanked his colleagues for their support and cooperation, saying, “We’re dedicated to making this election a reality, and we’ll work together to achieve our goal”.

This inauguration marks a crucial milestone in addressing the leadership vacuum created by the expiration of Mr. Kie Obomanu’s tenure as Chairman of JONAPWD.

A statement by the Head of Press, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Martha Igbiks, said, “the Ministry’s initiative is a welcome development which demonstrates its commitment to promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice and are actively involved in the decision-making process”.

Rivers

Orazi Gas Explosion: 3 Confirmed Dead

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

Three persons have been confirmed dead in the Orazi Gas explosion in Port Harcourt , Rivers State, which occurred last weekend.

Recall that the Rivers State Government confirmed that 16 persons were initially admitted into the hospital as a result of the explosion.

According to information, the dead, which include a father and two of his daughters, were among those receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, saying the 16 survivors from the incident were carried immediately to the RSUTH.

She also confirmed that some of them were in critical conditions when they were taken there.

“In fact, we are currently managing 16 patients that arose from the explosion at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

“They have various degrees of burns and thankfully we have a highly specialized unit that is providing expert attention and care to the patients”, she said.

Dr. Oreh said the explosion took place in a residential area without proper guidelines.

“The gas explosion took place in a residential area without adherent to guidelines on how gas cylinders that are commercialized should be operated.

“This is definitely beyond the ministry of health and that emphasizes the fact of what we call social determinants of health and so we work very closely with other ministries”she said.

She also said the Rivers State Government, through the various ministries, is carrying out activities with the view to streamlining the activities of such service providers so that clear guidelines are communicated to them to ensure that the lives of and property of the people of Rivers state is protected.

John Bibor

Rivers

Commissioner Commends Gov Over Support For Ministry

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Isreal Lebura Ngbuelo, has commended the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, over the practical steps taken and support given to the ministry during the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024.

Hon Ngbuelo made the commendation during the Ministry’s Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the State’s achievement as the over all best State at the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024, held at the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Passover Parish in Port Harcourt.

He expressed gratitude to God for the support given to the ministry by the State Governor, noting that it contributed to the success of the Ministry at the Carnival.

“We are here to thank God for success He accorded us at the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024.

“We left Rivers State with over 700 contingent and emerged as the over all best winner for the Abuja International Carnival, 2024.

” We are here also to thank God for the staff of the Ministry and the peace in the Ministry, which increased us as a people and we can attest to it that by the grace of God we have a Governor that has passion for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“That we came back without any injury is a thing of joy”, Hon Ngbuelo stated.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, said the Ministry organized the Thanksgiving Service to express gratitude to God for successful outing at the Abuja International Carnival.

He said the success of the Ministry at the event was another landmark for the state, adding that it was not the first time the ministry has been the over all best in the tournament, noting that “the peace in the State has been showcased to the entire world, not just Nigeria, that Rivers State is rich in culture and Tourism.

“We went to Abuja and emerged champions, so we are happy for State and for the ministry”, Barr Ishmael said.

Kiadum Edookor