Niger Delta

Minister Lauds Diri On Health Sector Performance … Inaugurates Hemodialysis Centre In Bayelsa

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, has praised Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for prioritising the health of citizens and residents of the state.

He gave the commendation recently while inaugurating the newly established Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre at the 500-bed hospital within the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of activities marking the fifth anniversary in office celebration of the Governor.

The Tide gathered that the facility was established to address non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure.

Ali-Pate noted that tackling a major health issue like non-communicable disease in Nigeria was a strong statement of commitment by the Governor as it touches the lives of millions of people.

He said what the Bayelsa State Government was doing in the health sector was in line with the Federal Government’s health policy where states invest their resources and the Federal Government complements that to address the needs of the people.

The Health and Social Welfare Minister also commended Governor Diri for appointing a seasoned health professional as Commissioner for Health, saying Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe’s performance made the federal ministry sought his services at the national level.

In his remarks, the State Governor said his government broke the jinx by equipping the 500-bed hospital with state-of-the-art facilities by inaugurating the Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre.

He said the centre was conceived due to the death of his mother in 2013 from renal failure and that he desired to have such facility to treat those with similar health conditions.

The Governor acknowledged the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who donated N500 million to the Bayelsa Medical University.

He noted that the fund had been judiciously used, stressing that his administration does not play politics with development as the facility will not only serve Bayelsa, but also other neighbouring states who have students in the university.

“I feel very fulfilled that our people will no longer die of renal failure. I feel fulfilled that we can now offer these services to Bayelsans and to Nigerians.

“I was very happy when the medical university authorities approached me about this hemodialysis centre. Without wasting time, I approved it. I already had an inner desire for this hemodialysis centre.

“Let me appreciate former Governor of Rivers State and current honourable Minister of the FCT. I do not play politics with development and whoever assisted us, we will always acknowledge and recognise you publicly”, he said.

In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the centre was a leap forward in renal care and an active drive towards universal access to healthcare, stressing that inaugurating the centre was a defining moment in the state government’s efforts towards addressing the growing burden of kidney diseases in the country and in Bayelsa.

The Tide reports that the Health Minister also inaugurated the Zipline Aerial Logistics Delivery System complex and an 800-metre concrete access road at Elebele.

Present at the events were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayaowei, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State, Chief Solomon Agwana, and other top government functionaries.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

2 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.