Rivers

Rivers Community Cries Out Over Gas Leakages

Published

1 year ago

January 31, 2024

Residents of Tombia Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the state government, the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), and the Nigerian Agip Oil to come to their aid following a gas leakage in the community.
Briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, they said the gas leakage, which occurred on Saturday, the 20th of January, had within few days caused great damages to residents and the environment.
Chief Alabo Onimite Abbey, Secretary, Tombia Council of Chiefs, said the gas leakage has negatively impacted on their environment, especially the local source of livelihood.
“Last Saturday, at about 7:30pm, I was called by the DSS boss, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, that there was a gas explosion in my community. I told him I wasn’t aware. With this information, I had to quickly respond to the information and I went home.
“When I got home, I was taken to the area. It was a gas leakage, right in the river. This means it has spoilt most of our aquatic lives. Fishes are no longer alive, as well as periwinkle, tilapia fish and the rest of them. And as a result, we cannot go fishing any longer.
“So, we are pleading with the companies that own the leaking gas pipeline facility to swing into action and fix the problem”, Abbey said.
Also speaking, Vincent Simeopiri Abbey, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Tombia Community, called for immediate intervention by NLNG as well as relevant agencies to save further destruction of the environment by the incident.
According to him, in order to halt further damage that will be caused by the gas leakage, “NLNG knows the impact of gas leakage into the open space, particularly at the place where it occurred.
“NLNG does not need further education of the impact of gas leakage into the environment, they all know. The last time I spoke with them they said they’re going to check in their control room to ascertain the root cause of the leakage. But since then we have not heard from them.
“We are using this medium to tell the world what we are facing. Everybody knows that any little spark can cause huge fire that can exterminate the entire community as well as the environment”, he said.
Similarly, Comrade Owen Igbikialabo, the Youth President, Tombia Kingdom, said he personally reported to NLNG about the gas leakage incident immediately it was spotted.
He said last week he used the medium to call on the State Government to intervene in order to save lives and properties in Tombia.
“I personally called NLNG control room to report the situation. They’re yet to take care of the gas leakage incident.
“We are calling on Rivers State Government, the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to intervene. This is a very serious issue, it can cause fire outbreak in the entire creek and burn off the habitats”, he said.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Agip Oil company and other relevant bodies proved abortive as at press time.

By: John Bibor

Niger Delta

NACA Debunks Fake HIV Drug Pricing News

Published

18 hours 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

Niger Delta

RSG, MWAN Strengthen Partnership To Improve Healthcare

Published

19 hours 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.

Rivers

Rivers Partner TAF To Promote Disability Inclusion

Published

20 hours 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”.