Rivers

LG Boss Urges Rivers People To Support Fubara’s Administration

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2024

The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Enyiada CookeyGam, has urged the good people of the state, especially those of them from South-East Senatorial District, which comprises of Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro and Oyigbo council areas to shun bickering and massively support the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in his quest to succeed in the business of governance in the state, instead of embarking on move to distract the government.
Speaking with newsmen recently in Port Harcourt on the quality services of the Governor within the past nine months running in the state, CookeyGam stated that the call has become imperative in view of the prevailing economic situation in Nigeria and the attempts by outsiders and other interests to incite the people of the state, majorly Rivers South-East Senatorial District to join the bandwagon of those criticising the government unconstructively over the rising inflation, hunger and general hardship in Nigeria.
The Chairman of who explained why Rivers people should queue behind Fubara’s administration, said: “Rivers people have suffered worse hunger, deprivations and underdevelopment, as well as neglect since the end of the civil war in 1970.
“It is disheartening that the same people who folded their arms when the people of the state suffered such untold marginalisation are the ones attempting to persuade our people to join those castigating the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. What have these people done to ease the pains suffered by our people since after the war?”
“What have former governors, leaders and stakeholders done to bring the state, importantly, Rivers South-East Senatorial District at par with other districts and regions in the number of component states and districts? What have they done to address the dilapidated federal roads in the state, among other infrastructure in Rivers South-East Senatorial District?”
The LG boss averred: “Does it matter to them that Rivers State account for 319 wards of the 23 local government areas with three senatorial districts, whereas others can boast of less LGAs compared to that of the oil and gas-rich state?”
Rt. Hon. Enyiada CookeyGam admitted that the situation was dire in Nigeria, but insisted that the Fubara-led government needed support of Rivers people, no matter their political affiliations, among other Nigerians resident in the state to get the state out of hard times, which did not start with the present dispensation.
“Let us be frank, times are really hard now. But the best way to get out of the situation both in Rivers State and Nigeria is to support the Fubara-led administration, among other leaders in Nigeria in their drive to make things better in the long run,” adding that the government has rolled out some measures aimed at alleviating the sufferings of Rivers people in particular and Nigerians in general.
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Enyiada CookeyGam has congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the honour bestowed on him recently by the management of Silverbird Communications Limited, with a prestigious ‘Peace Advocate Award for 2023’, describing the recognition as the “best thing coming to Rivers State, in view of the Governor’s quest to bring peace to all and sundry in the state.
He urged the Governor to use the elevation to discharge his legitimate duties creditably, not minding the distraction, which emanated from the camps of mischief-makers against his good and pro-people dispensation.

Bethel Toby

Rivers

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

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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