Rivers

Redouble Your Efforts, Peterside Urges Contractors

Published

15 years ago

March 26, 2010

The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dakuku Peterside has urged contractors handling development projects in the state to redouble their efforts in order to beat the early rains which experts say is a fallout of climatic change.

Hon. Peterside made the call recently during inspection tour of shore protection and road projects in parts of the state.

The commissioner who assured the contractors that government is always desirous of meeting its obligation to them said government expects reciprocation in form of their adherence to the time lines for the different projects they are handling.

During the inspection, some contractors were given specific directives including testing of materials to relaying of asphalt and stone bases to ensure proper finishing for the various projects.

He expressed concern over the plight of Rivers people and residents of the state and appealed for continued understanding, co-operation and patience from the public saying government is determined to rebuild Rivers State despite the challenges poised by the climate.

Rivers

Rivers Partner TAF To Promote Disability Inclusion

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has pledged to partner with TAF Africa, a leading advocate for disability inclusion and champion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) rights, to tackle the unique challenges faced by PWDs in the state.

This partnership, according to the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.

The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr Ilamu

Arugu, who made this pledge during an advocacy visit by TAF Africa delegation in Port Harcourt, reaffirmed the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara-led administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by fast-tracking the passage of the prohibition bill.

He assured the TAF Africa delegation that the government will work closely with them to ensure the bill’s successful passage.

“We are committed to partnering with you to address your needs and challenges. We will work together to ensure that the prohibition bill is passed this year”, the Commissioner said.

He also directed that a desk officer be assigned to work with PWDs, to ensure that their requests and concerns are addressed promptly.

He thanked the TAF Africa group for their visit and assured them that the government is committed to supporting PWDs.

Earlier in his remarks, the TAF Africa delegation led by Mr. George Dominic Anwayi said their advocasy visit, which was the first in the State, was aimed at seeking partnership with the State Government to promote disability inclusion in governance and its policies.

Mr. Anwayi noted that the organization has been working with various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that persons with disabilities are carried along in the electoral process.

“They have also collaborated with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to develop a framework for access to work schemes, targeting job opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector”, he stated.

The TAF Africa spokesperson during the meeting disclosed that the organization is currently implementing a project on inclusive governance in Rivers State, funded by PRF.

He said the project aims to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government programmes and policies, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other legal provisions.

Anwayi expressed support for the proposed disability bill in Rivers State, commending the state government’s efforts to ensure disability inclusion.

He called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to promote inclusive governance and ensure that persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of life.

The meeting, which was attended by representatives of PWDs and government officials including directors and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Professor Justina Jumbo, was described as “fruitful and productive”.

Rivers

NACA Debunks Fake HIV Drug Pricing News

Published

1 hour 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

IWD Celebration: Royal Queen Tasks Women On Family Priority

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

A Royal Mother, Queen Tombari Leslie Eke, has urged women globally to prioritize their homes/families as part of plans to accelerate action as captured in the theme of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) Celebration.

The call was contained in her address of welcome in commomeration of this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration in Woji Community, Obio /Akpor Local Government Area at the weekend.

Queen Eke said such was the excellent project to undertake before considering other areas of life.

She also charged the women to amplify their voices, challenge and change discriminatory laws and policies among other issues.

“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is apt. So that we as women can support initiatives promoting women’s empowerment and education and foster inclusive and equitable environments in all sectors”, she said.

She further charged the women to learn how to share their stories on social media platforms, support organizations working towards gender equality and participate in local events and campaigns promoting women’s rights and inclusion.

Some women groups, such as the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) and National Council for Women Society (NCWS), who spoke through their representatives, called for budgetory provisions for the women and the need for government at all levels to now consider 50 percent affirmative action instead of the previous 35 percent.

They said the high number of women in politics and other public offices will turn things around positively in the country, noting that some African Countries have already commenced action, while expressing regrets that Nigeria was yet to join the trend.

Another point the women noted was proper attention for the Boy Child as part of targets to end marital violence and squabbles.

According to them, if adequate care and family values was inculcated in the Boy Child at early age, he will grow to hate violence and have increased love and attention for his family and wife.

The event was hosted by the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Chairman Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, HM, King Leslie N. Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, who also admonished women to always strive to accord their Girl Child quality education, if they were serious about their intentional support in building a better society.

The Evo apex King urged the women to always be supportive of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara- led Government in the state to enable them push constructively for their requests.

King Onunwor