Niger Delta
Mrs Sylva Promises Improved Health For Bayelsans
Wife of Bayelsa State
Governor, Mrs Alanyingi Sylva, has reiterated her resolve to improve the health and wellbeing of Bayelsans.
Sylva made the pledge at Koroama in Yenagoa Local Government Area at the beginning of a free medical outreach programme organised in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for communities in the three senatorial districts of the state.
She said the fight against the health challenges of Bayelsans was one she would not shy away from, adding that the good health of the citizens could aid the development of the society.
She said the free medical treatment would be carried out across the state and that those in need of minor surgery would be accommodated under the programme.
Sylva urged the people of Koroama to take their health seriously, saying that most deaths were due to neglect and lack of resources to tackle illnesses.
She also emphasised the need for cleanliness and routine medical check up to prevent the occurrence of diseases.
Sylva commended the state government for its support, and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for living up to its social responsibilities.
Alabo Ekeuwei, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the State Government, said the programme was in line with the present administration’s desire to spread the dividends of democracy to the people.
Ekeuwei noted that no government worth its mandate could afford to toy with the health of the citizens, saying that a state could only be prosperous “if it can eradicate poverty and diseases’’.
While restating government’s preparedness to leave no stone unturned in line with the Millennium Development Goals, the SSG said government would continue to partner with relevant bodies to boost the living standards of rural dwellers.
Ekeuwei noted that in consonance with the objectives, government had provided emergency obstetric care units in all health institutions for emergency pregnancy-related cases.
He applauded the foresight of the governor’s wife in initiating the free medical outreach programme, saying that it had brought succour to Bayelsans.
Also speaking, the Leader of the Medical Team from SPDC, Dr Mosuro Olayinka, said the aim of the programme was to bring healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the people as part of the company’s social responsibility.
Olayinka also said the company was keying into the MDGs and expressed delight in partnering with the Centre for Gender Values and Culture in providing the service.
The SPDC team also announced that it would undertake free surgery, breast and cervical cancer screening, dental and eye care services, HIV and AIDs counseling.
It also said that it would distribute insecticide treated nets and de-worm children amongst others, during the programme.
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.
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.