Rivers

Monarch Lauds Wike Over Transformation Strides

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2023

A Community leader in Rumuola, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Engr. Henry Wonodi has poured plaudits on the state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over his transformation strides especially, the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state in his first and second terms as the Chief Executive of the state.
Speaking at the weekend while receiving some members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Ward 13 in Obio/Akpor LGA, who paid him a courtesy visit, Eze Wonodi noted that Governor Wike has transformed and taken the state to greater heights with the litany of projects that adorn the state.
According to him, “the landscape of the city of Port Harcourt and indeed Rivers State have changed so much that anyone who knew the state and had not visited in the last seven years or so, would struggle to come to terms with the current developments in the state”.
Speaking further, he said, “I want to use this opportunity to commend Governor Wike for the tremendous work he has done for the people and taking the state to a height never attained before by successive administrations in recent history of the state”
Eze Wonodi, who is also an Ambassador of Peace declared his intention to join and become an effective member of the PDP, having been convinced on the excellent traits and people oriented policies and projects of the party embodied in the records of Governor Wike.
“Following the various developmental projects executed by the Governor across the state, I have been motivated to join the PDP with my numerous supporters in order to continue to support and promote not only good governance but one that would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy”, he said.
On the forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state, Eze Wonodi said that there was need to ensure continuity and consolidation by continuing with the good legacies of the current administration. Consequently, he called on all residents of the state, both indigenes and non-indigenes to queue behind the governorship candidate of the PDP, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and other flag bearers of the party for House of Assembly seats.
He reasoned that Governor Wike must have seen something special in Sir Fubara to have decided to trust him as a successor to lead the state.
Also speaking, the leader of delegation for the visit, Chief Nnadi Akani said that the Governor Wike led administration has established indelible marks in the state that every Rivers man and woman should be proud of. According to him, many projects of the administration, especially, the building of three new campuses of Rivers State University, among others, have given hope to the youth and people of the state.
Chief Akani also told Eze Wonodi his decision to join the PDP family was a wise one that would attract many benefits to his people.

By; Gabriel Nwanetanya

Niger Delta

NACA Debunks Fake HIV Drug Pricing News

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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.