Rivers

Rivers Backs Large Scale Farming, Food Production

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2023

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans by the State to train and support young entrepreneurs, corporate and commercial organizations, research institutions that may want to engage in commercial farming.
Speaking through the Acting Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Maurice Ogolo, he said: “My administration will support fish and other aquatic farming and live stock farming.
“Goverment will stimulate the growth of agro allied industries, encourage large scale production of palm oil, cassava, rice, sweet potato, and plantain, which the State has comparative advantage to undertake along their value chain.
“The government will also ensure that farmers have regular supply of fertilizers, improved seedlings, and other agriculture imput and support services”, he stated.
The State Governor, therefore, called on farmers, stakeholders, captains of industries and stakeholders to contribute in making food security achievable in the state.
He noted that the meeting would afford government opportunity to know the challenges the farmers are facing, and the achievements they have made to enable government proffer solutions to them.
Also speaking at a Town Hall meeting and Exhibition of Farm products from Rivers State, Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Ohna Sergeant Awuse, stated that farming had been the tradition of the people long ago and today has huge potentials for economic growth.
Ohna Awuse said, “today, oil exploration had denied the people of the state some of the good things they used to enjoy as farmers”.
He commended them for refusing to give up in spite of the many challenges they are facing.
Represented by His Royal Majesty, King Suanu Baridam, Gbene Mene Bangha, Ohna Awuse called on Government at all levels and captains of industries to give support to Rivers State farmers in order to boost productivity to grow local economy and to guaranty food security.
He charged the youth to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by agriculture to better their lives.
The Chairman, Catfish And Allied Farmers Association Of Nigeria (CAFFAN), Dr. Momoh Mustapha, who underscored the importance of fish farming to the country, stated that Rivers State has the capacity to produce quantum of fish the country needed.
“Oilwell would dry up, stock market would fall, but the fresh water body that abound will remain in the states for fish farming. Disappointingly, 64 percent of the fish we eat in the country is imported”, Momoh said.
He emphasized that the greatest challenges the farmers face are the bottle neck in accessing loan from financial institutions, lack of storage facilities, poor funding by government, and yearly flooding that have forced farmers out of business.
Dr.Momoh appealed to Government at all levels to invest genuinely in Agriculture.

By: Kevin Nengia

Niger Delta

NACA Debunks Fake HIV Drug Pricing News

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has debunked what it called “fake news” circulating online regarding the cost of HIV treatment in Nigeria.

The news was that antiretroviral drugs will now cost 250,000 per dose with patients required to pay 500,000 monthly.

Describing the news as “completely false and misleading”, in a statement signed by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol, NACA said “HIV treatment in Nigeria remains free of charge at Government owned health facilities.

“The Government in collaboration with donor partners remains steadfast in providing free and accessible HIV treatment to all who need it.

“For accurate and up to date information on HIV treatment and prevention in Nigeria, follow our verified social media platforms and visit the official NACA website’.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Rivers Political Crisis: IYC Warns of Dire Consequences Amid Impeachment Threats Against Gov Fubara

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

As tensions continue to mount following the current political crisis in Rivers State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, has warned on the potential fallout from the ongoing impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The IYC, Eastern Zone, in a communiqué jointly signed by Chairman Comrade Ibiso Harry and Secretary Hon. John Amos Benjamin, emphasized that any attempt to destabilize the government could have dire consequences for the state’s stability and the welfare of Rivers people.

They called for dialogue and peaceful resolutions, urging all parties involved to prioritize the welfare of the citizens over political maneuvering.

In the communiqué, IYC accused former Governor Nyesom Wike and the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly of exacerbating the ongoing political crisis in the state.

They claimed that Wike’s persistent efforts to control the state’s resources have led to a political crisis that threatens the very fabric of Rivers State governance.

“The bone of contention in this crisis is the desperate attempt by the FCT Minister to maintain control over the state’s resources, which Governor Fubara has firmly resisted,” stated Comrade Ibiso Harry, who read the communiqué.

He went on: “Fubara’s mantra, ‘Rivers money for Rivers people,’ clearly reflects his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of our citizens.”

The group further warned that the stoppage of federal revenue allocation to the state would lead to severe repercussions for civil servants and jeopardize crucial services in healthcare and education.

“We have supported every governor of Rivers State in the past, and we demand the same respect for Governor Fubara to complete his two terms.

“Our people have sacrificed too much in the name of political loyalty, and we will not stand idly by as these attempts threaten our collective future”, the IYC declared.

The group called for dialogue and cooperation among political leaders, urging them to resolve differences without resorting to dubious political tactics.

They warned that should such attempts to impeach Fubara continue, those responsible would face the consequences of their actions, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

As the political tensions rise, the IYC expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention thus far, calling for further support to ensure that democracy prevails in Rivers State.

The communiqué concluded with a call for unity among all ethnic groups in the state, asserting their unwavering support for Governor Fubara and his administration.

Niger Delta

RSG, MWAN Strengthen Partnership To Improve Healthcare

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, has indicated its preparedness to partner the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in ensuring that the healthcare needs of vulnerable people in the State are met.

The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, who made this known when the leadership of MWAN, Rivers State Branch, visited him in his office in Port Harcourt, reiterated the State government’s commitment to improving the healthcare and wellbeing of vulnerable populations in the state.

While commending MWAN for their efforts in promoting healthcare and advocating for the rights of women and children in the state, Arugu expressed his ministry’s willingness to collaborate with the association in addressing the healthcare challenges facing residents in the state government-owned healthcare facilities.

“I want to thank you for appreciating our efforts. It’s not easy for people to recognize the humanitarian work we do, as we don’t seek laurels or rewards. We simply do what we believe is right,” the Commissioner stated”.

Earlier in her remarks, the state’s MWAN President, Dr. Cecilia Leloonu Nwibubasa, commended the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for appointing Mr. Ilamu Arugu as Commissioner, praising his outstanding achievements in the ministry.

She highlighted his unwavering commitment to effective, accountable, and participatory governance, particularly his focus on citizens’ welfare through responsive and inclusive policies, which, she said, serves as an inspiration to all.

Dr, Nwibubasa, who is the 19th President of the association in the state, noted that the organization is dedicated to advancing women and children’s health, with a focus on mental health, nutrition, and holistic mentorship for young female doctors, among others.

She stated that the association has remained at the forefront of community health initiatives, offering health services, medical outreaches, such as cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings, cancer treatment, maternal health care, support and extensive health education through various media channels.

Nwibubasa further revealed that the Association, a non-profit organization affiliated to the Medical Women’s International Association and the Nigerian Medical Association, was established in 1976 and incorporated in 1984.

The association’s motto, “Matris Animo Curantis,” meaning “healing with the love of a mother”, she explained, reflects its deep commitment to delivering compassionate healthcare.

The MWAM President noted that their visit was “driven by a deep sense of appreciation” for the commissioner’s leadership, which has been particularly impactful in areas aligning closely with the association’s mission.

This, according to her, includes ensuring safe homes, quality healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women.

She emphasized the organization’s eagerness to explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen their shared objectives.

The MWAN delegation also presented the commissioner with a proposal outlining areas of potential collaboration, including healthcare services, training, and advocacy programmes.

The courtesy visit, which was attended by the ministry’s management team, ended with a commitment from both parties to work together to improve the healthcare and wellbeing of women and children within the Disabilitiy community in Rivers State.