Rivers

Empowerment: Commissioner Donates Tricycles, Motorcycles To Indigent Youths

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2022

By: Wokoma Emmanuel

The Honourable Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, has given tricycles, popularly called “Keke”, and motorcycles, also known as “Okada”, to some indigent youths and middle-aged people to enable them earn a living.
The beneficiaries of this largesse were evenly drawn from all the wards of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

While addressing the beneficiaries, Dr. George-Kelly enjoined them to utilise what they have been given to improve their living standards.
He warned them against selling it, saying anyone who sells their own would be cut off completely from subsequent empowerments.

The Commissioner, who is well-known for giving to the less privileged across the State, told those that did not benefit now to exercise patience, “because there will be more rounds of empowerment in October and December”.
“Money will be given to people with business ideas to start small scale businesses, start-ups seeking expansion will be supported, those with skills will be equipped properly.

“Students, fishermen, as well as farmers will also be empowered”, Dr. George-Kelly assured them, adding that “it is a continuous process that will get to everybody.”

Niger Delta

NACA Debunks Fake HIV Drug Pricing News

Published

2 days 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

Rivers Political Crisis: IYC Warns of Dire Consequences Amid Impeachment Threats Against Gov Fubara

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

As tensions continue to mount following the current political crisis in Rivers State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, has warned on the potential fallout from the ongoing impeachment threats against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The IYC, Eastern Zone, in a communiqué jointly signed by Chairman Comrade Ibiso Harry and Secretary Hon. John Amos Benjamin, emphasized that any attempt to destabilize the government could have dire consequences for the state’s stability and the welfare of Rivers people.

They called for dialogue and peaceful resolutions, urging all parties involved to prioritize the welfare of the citizens over political maneuvering.

In the communiqué, IYC accused former Governor Nyesom Wike and the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly of exacerbating the ongoing political crisis in the state.

They claimed that Wike’s persistent efforts to control the state’s resources have led to a political crisis that threatens the very fabric of Rivers State governance.

“The bone of contention in this crisis is the desperate attempt by the FCT Minister to maintain control over the state’s resources, which Governor Fubara has firmly resisted,” stated Comrade Ibiso Harry, who read the communiqué.

He went on: “Fubara’s mantra, ‘Rivers money for Rivers people,’ clearly reflects his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of our citizens.”

The group further warned that the stoppage of federal revenue allocation to the state would lead to severe repercussions for civil servants and jeopardize crucial services in healthcare and education.

“We have supported every governor of Rivers State in the past, and we demand the same respect for Governor Fubara to complete his two terms.

“Our people have sacrificed too much in the name of political loyalty, and we will not stand idly by as these attempts threaten our collective future”, the IYC declared.

The group called for dialogue and cooperation among political leaders, urging them to resolve differences without resorting to dubious political tactics.

They warned that should such attempts to impeach Fubara continue, those responsible would face the consequences of their actions, potentially leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

As the political tensions rise, the IYC expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention thus far, calling for further support to ensure that democracy prevails in Rivers State.

The communiqué concluded with a call for unity among all ethnic groups in the state, asserting their unwavering support for Governor Fubara and his administration.

Niger Delta

RSG, MWAN Strengthen Partnership To Improve Healthcare

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, has indicated its preparedness to partner the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in ensuring that the healthcare needs of vulnerable people in the State are met.

The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, who made this known when the leadership of MWAN, Rivers State Branch, visited him in his office in Port Harcourt, reiterated the State government’s commitment to improving the healthcare and wellbeing of vulnerable populations in the state.

While commending MWAN for their efforts in promoting healthcare and advocating for the rights of women and children in the state, Arugu expressed his ministry’s willingness to collaborate with the association in addressing the healthcare challenges facing residents in the state government-owned healthcare facilities.

“I want to thank you for appreciating our efforts. It’s not easy for people to recognize the humanitarian work we do, as we don’t seek laurels or rewards. We simply do what we believe is right,” the Commissioner stated”.

Earlier in her remarks, the state’s MWAN President, Dr. Cecilia Leloonu Nwibubasa, commended the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for appointing Mr. Ilamu Arugu as Commissioner, praising his outstanding achievements in the ministry.

She highlighted his unwavering commitment to effective, accountable, and participatory governance, particularly his focus on citizens’ welfare through responsive and inclusive policies, which, she said, serves as an inspiration to all.

Dr, Nwibubasa, who is the 19th President of the association in the state, noted that the organization is dedicated to advancing women and children’s health, with a focus on mental health, nutrition, and holistic mentorship for young female doctors, among others.

She stated that the association has remained at the forefront of community health initiatives, offering health services, medical outreaches, such as cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings, cancer treatment, maternal health care, support and extensive health education through various media channels.

Nwibubasa further revealed that the Association, a non-profit organization affiliated to the Medical Women’s International Association and the Nigerian Medical Association, was established in 1976 and incorporated in 1984.

The association’s motto, “Matris Animo Curantis,” meaning “healing with the love of a mother”, she explained, reflects its deep commitment to delivering compassionate healthcare.

The MWAM President noted that their visit was “driven by a deep sense of appreciation” for the commissioner’s leadership, which has been particularly impactful in areas aligning closely with the association’s mission.

This, according to her, includes ensuring safe homes, quality healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women.

She emphasized the organization’s eagerness to explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen their shared objectives.

The MWAN delegation also presented the commissioner with a proposal outlining areas of potential collaboration, including healthcare services, training, and advocacy programmes.

The courtesy visit, which was attended by the ministry’s management team, ended with a commitment from both parties to work together to improve the healthcare and wellbeing of women and children within the Disabilitiy community in Rivers State.