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Rivers State Government Commences Coronavirus Tests At The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
In continuation of the fight against the spread of coronavirus in Rivers State, the Rivers State Government has formally commenced coronavirus testing at the molecular laboratory of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Health Professionals tested samples at the RIVERS STATE RSUTH COVID-19 TESTING CENTER on Friday. This will be a coordinated exercise that is aimed at heightening the fight against coronavirus.
The Rivers State RSUTH COVID-19 Testing Centre is functioning with two PCR Machines from Shell Petroleum Development Company and the third from Total E and P.
Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Friday Aaron said that the lab has come on stream to assist the State fight coronavirus.
He said: “This evening we are here to celebrate, because it has been our goal to get a testing in Rivers State . Today , I am happy to announce that we can now do COVID-19 tests at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital courtesy of the Rivers State Government ably led by our own Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
“We also thank our partners, SPDC and Total, who have continued to work with us to fight coronavirus.
The NCDC were here to install and activate the PCR machines .
“Since yesterday, we started running tests and by this evening, we will have results come from our lab. The good thing is that we have 3 PCR Machines that will serve Rivers people. “
He thanked Governor Wike for working hard to get a world class lab that will ensure more people are tested and treated.
He said: “We also have edged over other states because we received a donation of over 3000 test kits and we have kits that came with the machines.
“In this Hospital , we have a state of the art molecular laboratory before now. That lab we use it for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C. The NCDC said for COVID-19 testing we should get another laboratory. We have been able to meet up that request.
“I congratulate our Governor and Rivers people for this achievement. It is undergoing safety checks and we then get the approval of the NCDC to start collecting samples .”
The Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital however said that people are not expected to come to the laboratory because samples will be collected from the State Treatment Centre at Eleme and the State Ministry of Health.
Okoli Innocent, Biomedical Engineer, NCDC, National Reference Laboratory said that they were in the state to install and activate the laboratory.
“We are very happy with the progress the State has made in setting up of this lab.
We are confident that this lab can handle the challenge of testing for COVID-19.
“We have three PCR Machines that can test 270 samples a day,” he said.
Dr. Akinwumi Fajola, Regional Community Health Manager, SPDC-JV expressed happiness at the setting up of the coronavirus test lab in the state
He said: “We are very excited about what is happening here especially for the people of Rivers State. We are partnering with the Rivers State Government and we have been able to donate two PCR machines which are not at work at the RSUTH.
“We have also provided test kits , we have provided RNA extraction test kits and all those things that will help the molecular biology testing in this laboratory.
“We are excited about what the Rivers State Government has done here very good facility. I am happy about the infection prevention and control at this facility. “
The Rivers State Government says all is now set to ensure a momentous Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Speaking to newmen, last Monday, at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that the annual event would be memorable.
“January 15 is a day set aside all over the country to remember those who died in the course of military engagement and also appreciate those still serving in the Armed Forces.
“We had the Juma’at Prayers last Friday and Church Thanksgiving Service last Sunday, we are grateful for very successful events. Wednesday, 15th January, is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath -laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade here in Isaac Boro Park. We are ready and expecting a superlative parade ceremony by the Armed Forces and the State Legion,” he said.
The SSG stated that it was in the nature of Rivers State Government and her people to appreciate the Armed Forces, just as he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians resident in Rivers State to join in appreciating the efforts of the nation’s heroes and remember those who had paid the ultimate price.
The SSG stressed that the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on January 15 would be replicated across the 22 Local Governments Areas in the State, with the exception of the Mayor of Port Harcourt who would support the Governor.
“As a federation with three tiers of government, the ceremonies will be done simultaneously at the federal level with Mr President laying the wreath; at the State, with our Governor laying the wreath. It is also expected that the council chairmen will be replicating same thing because there are members of the Armed Forces and legionnaires in the local governments.
A representative of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. S. I Fejoh, who is one of the co-ordinators of the parade, re-affirmed their readiness and promised to showcase the pride of Nigeria.
On his part, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, C.O. Promise noted that members were happy and ready to celebrate the day they referred to as their birthday.
The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Wendy Kalio, also expressed optimism for a gallant celebration in the state.
“We have been fully involved and ready to celebrate the sacrifices of those who served the country. Let us honour them and encourage their loved ones. The Governor is working hard to empower the veterans and widows, let us turn up to cheer our Governor,” she summed up.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the emergence of a former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Governor Fubara said that the frontline politician’s victory at the poll in Enugu, on Friday, is a testament to his wide acceptance across the aisle as an accomplished Nigerian, whose test of character and integrity is exemplary.
He said that the overwhelming votes of the delegates show the implicit confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in his ability to provide needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.
Governor Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Senator Mbata, and expressed the hope that he will succeed as he discharges the lofty duties of furthering national cohesion, and fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you towards maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion”, Governor Fubara said.
African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, the World Bank Group, the African Union (AU), and the Tanzanian government have reaffirmed their commitment to advance Africa’s path toward universal electrification.
The AfDB announced in a statement, Saturday, that it would host a pivotal summit to support this objective.
“The Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27 to 28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will bring together Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development partners, donors, experts, civil society organizations, and academics.
“The summit aims to secure the financial resources, partnerships, and political commitment necessary to achieve the ambitious Mission 300 plan and further progress toward universal electrification”, it stated.
Inaugurated in April 2024 by the AfDB and the World Bank, Mission 300 sought to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
It said the initiative would focus on a dual approach: increasing infrastructure investment and implementing policy reforms across the electricity supply chain.
According to the bank, with nearly 600 million Africans accounting for 83 per cent of the global energy deficit lacking access to electricity, the need for action has never been more urgent.
“The summit will serve as a platform to consolidate efforts and accelerate Africa’s electrification journey, aiming to transform lives, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth.
“Experts and stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to mobilise investments, expand energy access, and address challenges impeding progress, ensuring that Africa’s energy goals remain within reach”, AfDB stated.
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