Nation
High Mortality Rate: FG Set To Unveil Nat’l Emergency Medical Service
The Federal Government, yesterday, said it was poised to launch what it called “National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System” to provide prompt and efficient emergency medical service to the people.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, speaking at a media parley on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent and elderly health plus nutrition multi-stakeholder partnership coordination platform, in Abuja, noted that, ”Elimination of delays in access to healthcare can indeed reduce the high mortality rates.”
Ehanire, while noting that, ”It is estimated that an efficient emergency medical treatment service can reduce mortality by nearly 50 per cent by reducing delays in physical and financial access especially at night,” said, ”The Federal Government is poised to launch the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System to provide prompt and efficient emergency medical service to the people.”
According to him, ”It will involve prompt response to medical distress calls of all types with first responders, transfer to facilities, assured first aid at the point of care at no immediate user cost.
“There is need to strengthen engagement with media institutions and improve strategic communication tools, working with various media platforms to drive social and behaviour change communication and influence attitudes towards reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent and elderly health plus nutrition”, he said, adding that, ”The media also plays a role in social cohesion and in reshaping norms, to become the change agent for positive health-seeking behaviour.”
Regretting that, ”Despite its enormous potential, there is, unfortunately, inadequate utilization of media platforms for dissemination of health-related information to the public by the health sector,” Ehanire said, ”Public engagement of the media by the Federal Ministry of Health happens on a case-by-case basis, as there is no blueprint to define the process, resulting in missed opportunities to achieve national goals and targets relating to public enlightenment of individuals, service providers, decision-makers and influencers, with regard to health and wellbeing.”
Ehanire, whose message was contained in his presentation, titled, ”Effective Partnership with Media Sector in Improving Health and Well-being of Women, Children, Adolescent and the Elderly”, said, ”Going forward and building on the success of the reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, Health plus Nutrition Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Coordination Platform, the Ministry of Health began activating the Coordination Platform Annual Operation Plan 2021.
”Sustainable mechanisms have been instituted for improved collaboration with the media in reconstructing societal views on health issues affecting women, children, adolescents and the elderly, such as finalizing revision of the Integrated National Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Elderly Health plus Nutrition Social and Behaviour Change Strategy.
“Roll-out of a revised strategy, using existing government, private and traditional media structures of television, radio, print, social, and local media platforms will empower the people with information on household practices to make informed choices and take timely actions to ensure their health and wellbeing.
“Developed the maiden Media Engagement Strategy for Health Promotion, aiming to set out mechanisms, arrangements and prescribe ways to harness available tools for publicity, information sharing and public engagement, in order to empower Nigerians to make informed choices for healthier living.
“Developed the draft Health-in-Media Coalition Charter: an ancillary document of the Media Engagement Strategy for Health Promotion. The charter articulates arrangements that guide partnership between Federal Ministry of Health, media outlets and regulatory agencies ‘to improve health and wellbeing of Nigerians with focus on the vulnerable population.
“It outlines roles and responsibilities of each arm of the coalition; a management and coordination structure, including itemization of steps for grievance resolution and periodic reviews,” he said.
He said, “the current Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated media literacy of adults and young people; meaning that access to understanding and creating communication with both traditional and new media platforms such as text messaging, social networking and mobile phone is commonplace.
“Statistics indicate that in January, 2020, the percentage of users of the various media platforms in Nigeria were as follows: 169.2million (83%) mobile connections users, 85.49million (42%) internet users, and 27.00million (13%) social media users.
“In today’s technology driven world, access to latest news is at the touch of a button on television or radio, even while commuting to the workplace or school. We freely exchange information with friends, relatives, business partners and clients around the world.
“Effective communication through mass media, can therefore be used to heighten awareness of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent and elderly health plus nutrition as topics for public discussion, and to influence legislation and resource allocation for issues like awareness of where to access reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent and elderly health and nutrition health services, to develop appropriate, safe care-seeking behaviour, change cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and promote hygiene and health practices that improve uptake of health services,” he said.
Ehanire said, ”The Ministry of Health will be able to build on the success of the media engagement obtained today to institutionalize traditional and social media platforms to share information and for community participation, and risk communication.
“When finalized, the Health-in-Media Coalition Charter will be presented to chief executives of media institutions for endorsement at the national level as well as adaptation at subnational level.
“I conclude by reminding all that population health management is a collective responsibility, requiring partnership with the media sector to foster effective use of media platforms to increase health literacy and promote safe, care-seeking behaviour on issues surrounding the health and wellbeing of women, children, adolescents and the elderly,” he said.
The event, he explained, was aimed “to set the foundation for effective engagement of the media, towards improving the health and wellbeing of women, children, adolescents and the elderly; especially during this era of the Covid-19 pandemic and in view of concerns over various health conditions, infectious or chronic, that may be preventable and easily treatable.
“In practice, all three tiers of government have responsibilities for health, as if it were on the concurrent legislative list, although it is constitutionally on what is generally called the ‘residual’ list,” he said.
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.
Nation
AIG handsover to Rivers new CP..calls for sustainable peace …list achievements in three months
The Assistant Inspector General of police (AIG) zone six Calabar ,AIG Mohammed Bala has said that his most achievements recorded during his tenure as the commissioner for police in Rivers state was to ensure that absolute tranquility of peace prevail in the state.
Bala made this statement during the official handover ceremony to his successor ,CP Olugbenga Adewale Adepoju held yesterday at the police command mess in port Harcourt.
The outgoing commissioner of police who was recently promoted to the ranks of AIG averred that when he assumed the batton of leadership last October 2024 as the commissioner of police in the state command ,he promised that his administration’s focus will be to ensure total peace was restored in the state , stressing that he was happy that he has lived up to his promises to the state.
“Today ,I am happy that we are living the state peacefully as we promised and I want you to sustain the peace in the state, peace is the only ingredient for sustainable development.
He used the opportunity to thank officers and men of the command for their support during the three months in the state and urged them to give same his successor.
The AIG used the opportunity to highlight some of his major achievements while In office to include, rescue of 13 under aged girls , arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition among others.
” On 11th October 2024 at about 1300hrs, based on a vital piece of information indicating that one Rachael ‘f’, of Indorama Petrol Chemical Complex, Akpajo in Eleme LGA of Rivers State is operating an illegal baby factory. Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) PH, were swiftly mobilized to the factory, where thirteen (13) under-aged pregnant girls were rescued. Investigation is ongoing.
Again, On 12th October 2024 at about 1430hrs, raid of an identified criminal hideout was conducted at Akpajo primary school field, old Refinery Road, Akpajo with a view to arrest one “Sinbad” a notorious sea pirate, kidnapper and armed robber. Upon the arrival of the team, one Bright Eke ‘m’, an associate of “Sinbad” was arrested and handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping (AKU) for further investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said fleeing Sinbad.”he stated.
Earlier, the new state police command, CP Olugbenga Adewale Adepoju commended the AIG zone six for his fatherly leadership role during his brief stay in the command and assured him that his legacies will be sustained by the present administration in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the ceremony witnessed decoration of police officers who were recently promoted by the IG in the last police promotion exercise as well as award to some officers who distinguished themselves in the service during the period under review.
They include, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bori in Khana LGA,CSP Okanlawon Olufemi for neutralizing a very notorious kidnapper in the LGA and CSP Ojo Lawrence, DPO Akinima in Ahoada West LGA was given a token for neutralizing a notorious leader and his gang members in month of December, 2024.
Those decorated to their new ranks are ,Elijah Eleke who was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) from Chief Superintendent of Police.(SP)
Umar Hassan,who was decorated with rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.(DSP).
Akujobi amadi
Julius Berger Maintains Commitment to Timely Delivery with Holiday Work Schedule In the spirit of progress and dedication, workers on the Bodo-Bonny Road project, a transformative construction project awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, have continued their efforts undeterred by the Yuletide season. For many, the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities through this landmark infrastructure project is a source of pride and fulfillment.
The 37.9 km road project, which connects Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area to Bonny Island in Rivers State, stands as a beacon of hope for the operational communities.
Julius Berger’s workforce, comprising a significant number of local indigenes, has been steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion despite the challenging technical and logistical demands
The construction of this critical infrastructure requires specialized techniques and construction methodologies, including extensive sand filling for soil stabilization, to ensure a suitable foundation for construction.
The project also necessitates meticulous planning and coordination by the workforce and their supervisors, further underscoring the skill and precision involved in executing this project.During the holiday season, workers were seen diligently engaged in other activities such as base course installation, and sand-cement stabilization at key sections, including Apha Creek Bridge and Opobo Channel Bridge, the sight of heavy equipment from leading manufacturers like Caterpillar and Volvo further revealed the scale and complexity of the project.
Speaking about the project, John Hart, a member of the project team from Gokana, shared the pride he and his colleagues feel about the project,
“This road means everything to us. It connects our people to opportunities and development. For those of us working here, it’s more than a job, it’s our contribution to building a future for our communities.
Even during the holidays, we’re happy to give our all.”
Appreciating the team’s dedication, The Project Manager, Tim Nippert noted that, “Our workforce continues to exceed expectations. Working through the holidays and navigating the difficult terrain demonstrates their resolve and passion for delivering this project. Their ability to maintain steady progress under these conditions is truly remarkable.”
The Bodo-Bonny Road project is a critical component of Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda. Featuring a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island, it is designed to overcome environmental challenges while improving connectivity and stimulating socio-economic growth.