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  • Mar, Sun, 2020
General news

COVID-19: Gov. Wike commends Christians for complying with directives

COVID-19: Gov. Wike commends Christians for complying with directives

Compliance

Dianabasi Effiong

Port Harcourt, March 29, 2020 (NAN) Christian Faithful across Rivers have been commended for complying with the directive of maintaining social distance during Church service to check the spread of Coronavirus.

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers made the commendation on Sunday in Port Harcourt while addressing journalists after he led the Task Force on Enforcement of the Ban on Public and Religious Gatherings to monitor compliance.

Wike said that the churches ensured that each service had about 50 worshippers as agreed during the meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor, accompanied by the Service Commanders, monitored compliance at the St. Thomas Anglican Church, Mile Two Diobu and St. John’s Anglican Church, Rumueme Deanery.

They also visited St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirikom Deanery, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Rumuapara District and Abundant Life Evangel Mission Cathedral.

The team also monitored compliance at the St. Andrews Anglican Church, Rumuobiokani, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim and Mount of Grace, Elekahia.

They visited St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Elekahia Archdeaconry and Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu, Corpus Christi, Living Faith Church,  Kaduna Street, D-Line and Churches on Aggrey Road.

All the churches visited had running water, soap and hand sanitisers to disinfect worshipers before and after service.

Wike said: “The compliance is very much appreciated, except for two churches that did not completely comply. Saint Thomas Anglican Church and Holy Trinity, Rumuapara.

“I have told the pastors that I don’t want to shut down the two churches. In all, we are satisfied with the total compliance.

“That shows that the people appreciate what we are talking about. For us, the safety of our people remains key. We are happy today.

“For the  two churches that failed to comply, we will review the situation and take action. As you can see, we went to different churches.’’ (NAN)

DOE/MNA

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Defence/Security

600 get free malaria treatment, HIV screening in Rivers community

600 get free malaria treatment, HIV screening in Rivers community

Screening

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, July 3, 2019 (NAN) No fewer than 600 people in Rivers on Wednesday benefited from free HIV screening, malaria treatment and other health care services provided by the Nigerian Army.

The beneficiaries, including, senior citizens, youths and children of Rumuokwurusi community in Obio/Akpor Area of Rivers defiled early downpour of rain to participate in the exercise.

Lt.-Col. Johnson Ogah, Commander Army 6 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Port Harcourt, launched the exercise in Rumukwurusi community as part of  week long activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Ogah said during the inauguration that residents would have opportunity to check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels while patients would be de-wormed.

“The medical outreach is part of the NADCEL and also one of the ways the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has adopted as part of army corporate social responsibility.

“So, every single army unit in the country today is carrying out this medical outreach in their areas of responsibility.’’

Ogah said that drugs would be given to patients diagnosed for malaria, typhoid fever, arthritis, diabetes and hypertension as well as those detected with urinary tract infections.

“The medical outreach is an annual event organised by the navy to reach out to its communities with focus to prevent, detect, counsel and treat those diagnosed with ailment.

“We are conducting checks for vital signs, such as malaria treatment and HIV screening, among others, as well free medical consultancy, drugs and medical advice.

“We are carrying out the outreach as part of our civil-military relationship with the people. We want communities to know that we have their interest at heart,” he said.

The army officer expressed optimism that the  exercise would help maintain peace and cordiality with communities as well as remind them that they were both partners in progress.

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Nelson Wali, who was screened and treated for an ailment, commended the army for initiating the programme.

Wali, who is Vice Chairman of Rumuokwurusi Nvuike Council of Chiefs, commended the army for organizing the free medical outreach for the poor in the society.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Victoria Godspower, a petty trader, expressed delight at the medical outreach, and called for its sustenance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that mosquito treated nets were also distributed to some residents of Rumukwurusi community. (NAN)

DES/VIV/IFY
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Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Ifeyinwa Omowole

Health

NAFDAC shuts down 6 sachet water factories in Rivers

NAFDAC shuts down 6 sachet water factories in Rivers
By Mustapha Sumaila
Closure
Abuja, Sept. 27, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has shut down six sachet water factories at Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers for operating in an unhygienic environment.
The NAFDAC Director of Public Relations Unit, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, confirmed this in a statement in Abuja.
Jimoh explained that NAFDAC office in Port Harcourt “after a successful raid of illegal sachet water producers in Okirika local government area of the state and the agency was alarmed at the unhygienic environment and had to shut down the six factories visited.
“What we saw in Okirika is horrible and despicable to say the least; most of the illegal producers, packaged their water directly from the bore hole without any filtration system and with very poor Hygienic Practice.
“The factories are located in dingy rooms while sachet waters were packed on bare floors, some were located very close to toilets, gutters and kitchens which is against the agency’s rules,” he said.
“Almost all the outfits are not registrable, they connect water directly from bore holes to water packaging machines.
“No micro filters, UV water sterilizers and treatment plants; the environment is very bad, the operators are not trained and the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are not observed; everybody does what he likes,” the statement read in part.
The spokesperson said that two persons were arrested while others took to their heels on sighting the officials of NAFDAC.
He disclosed that five generator sets, two water packaging machines, two water treatment machines, films, two standing fans and loosed parts of water packaging machines were confiscated during the exercise.
Jimoh warned illegal sachet water producers to desist from producing unhygienic and unregistered packaged water that could endanger public health. (NAN)
MS/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Rivers Deputy Gov. task NGOs on development

Rivers Deputy Gov. task NGOs on development

NAN-H-100

Development

By Azubuike Okeh

Port Harcourt, Jan. 18, 2017 (NAN) The Deputy Governor of Rivers, Dr Ipalibo Banigo, has charged Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the state to be more focused towards undertaking development programmes.

Banigo gave the task when members of the Youth Coalition for Good Governance visited her in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

She said that the Nyesom Wike-led government was ready to accept contributions from patriotic organisations in the society.

“As a government, we are ready to collaborate with organisations that are focused and development-oriented in the interest of the society,’’ she said.

Represented by Mr Emmanuel Ibama, her Senior Special Assistant on Security, Banigo also said that the government was committed towards promoting the welfare of Rivers youth and women.

According to her, the state government’s amnesty programme for repentant cultists and the micro credit scheme for youths are part of such efforts initiated by the government.

The deputy governor called on youths in the state to shun violence and harness their God-given potential in order to be meaningful to the society.

Nesides, she called on NGOs in the state to oblige the state government their contributions to ensure effective delivery of democracy dividends.

Speaking earlier, State Chairman of the group, Mr Emmanuel Hart, said the body was focused on promoting constructive engagement with stakeholders for good governance and gender equality.

He commended the state government for all people-oriented programmes so far undertaken, saying “we urge you to include more youths in your programmes’’. (NAN)

AZU/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Sport

Rivers Govt to support Port Harcourt Golden Jubilee Polo Tournament

Rivers Govt to support Port Harcourt Golden Jubilee Polo Tournament

NAN-H-31

Support

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Jan. 3, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has pledged to support the Port Harcourt Golden Jubilee Polo Tournament as it will positively impact the state’s economy.

This is contained in a statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The statement said Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Port Harcourt Polo Club.

He noted that the tournament, which will attract Polo players from Argentina, South Africa and Dubai, will place the state on the international business map.

“We will support this International Polo Tournament because it will afford us the opportunity to highlight the potentials of the state to the international community.

“This tournament will also project Rivers State in positive light, with international sports and business personalities seeing firsthand the peace and security that drive the growth of the state,” he said.

He assured that his administration would partner with Polo administrators to enhance the game.

Wike advised the management of the Polo Club to shield themselves from politics.

Earlier, the President of the Port Harcourt Polo Club, Mr Ibiwari Pepple, revealed that the Golden Jubilee Tournament would hold between Jan. 8 and 14.

He said that the tournament would enjoy wide coverage on Super sports, AIT and Channels Television because of its importance on the sporting calender.

Pepple reiterated that well known players from the Argentina, South Africa and Dubai would attract business concerns to the state.

While seeking the support of the Rivers government for the successful hosting of the event, he informed the governor that during the tournament, participating horses and players would be dressed in ceremonial attires to promote the state. (NAN)

VO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

2017: Wike restates commitment to promote peace, development

2017: Wike restates commitment to promote peace, development

NAN-H-7

Commitment

By Azubuike Okeh

Port Harcourt, Jan. 1, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has restated his administration’s commitment to promote peace and development in the state.

The governor made the statement in a New Year message broadcast in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Wike said that his administration had enormous political will to embark on projects that would trigger development across the state.

He urged Rivers people to work together to ensure that the state enjoyed peace and development in 2017.

“We cannot thank you enough for your consistent prayers, understanding, sacrifices and unconditional support and encouragement throughout 2016.

“It is clear that without your support, we could have been vanquished by the political and economic predators who sought to conquer and enslave us,’’ the governor said.

Wike assured that the New Year promised numerous opportunities for the state.

He said: “We will hugely need your support to harness the opportunities.

“As the New Year beacons with fresh opportunities, ours is to renew our commitment and vigour to serve you and deliver on our reconstruction and development programmes.

“We urge Rivers people to be hopeful in the new year, hope for a better state, a better future, more progress and more wellbeing for our people.’’ (NAN)

AZU/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola