All Posts in "Day: May 28, 2024"

Court Stops Police,SSS From Evicting Emir Sanusi

Mohammed Shosanya

Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano High Court sitting on Miller Road has restrained the police, the State Security Service (SSS) and Nigerian military from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The suit was filed by the emir alongside the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta.

Aliyu,who granted the order,also retrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers.

She held “that an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, representative, and assigns from further harassing, intimidating.inviting, arresting and or invading the personal or official residence of the Applicants (Gidan Rumfa), his servants and or any of the Kano Emirate kingmakers of doing such acts that would be capable of interfering with the Applicants’ rights generally in relation to this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the Respondents from attempting to hijack, pick, commandeer, confiscate any of twin spear of authority, the Royal Hat of Dabo, the Ostrich-feathered shoes, the knife and sword of the Emir of Kano as well as symbols of authority pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“That an order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter or maintaining status quo of staying all action pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice

“That it is further ordered that the Respondents are restraining from interfering with the functions, duties of the 1″ Applicant as the Emir of Kano pending the hearing and determination of the mation on notice dated 28 May, 2024.”

The motion on notice is adjourned to June 13, 2024 for hearing.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in News 0
NNPC,JV Partners,NDDC Commission N24.5bn Ogbia-Nembe Road

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd,NNPCL and its joint venture partners – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) – in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have commissioned the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.

The project, valued at N24.5billion, traverses mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts, and connects 14 communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony which held at Nembe on Monday, the Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the project aligns with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.

He said:”This project is evidence of what good partnerships can bring to communities,” the President said, urging other oil companies to collaborate with the NNPC Ltd and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects”.

In his remarks, the NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti, who was represented by Mr. Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the road, describing it as “a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision”.

A statement signed by Olufemi O. Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,
NNPC Ltd, quoted him as saying that the road was more than just infrastructure as it symbolizes progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, increase in economic activities and general improvement in the quality of life.

Wunti also thanked all the partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

Speaking,the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, highlighted the transformative impact of the project, stressing that it “will connect communities to the city center, boost economic activities, and reduce risks associated with river transport.

Okunbor reiterated Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to deliver projects that are beneficial to the people of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was dedicated to completing projects across the Niger Delta region that serve the urgent needs in the communities.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the NDDC, NNPC Ltd and its partners for the project.

The event was attended by top government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, including the Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Senu; Chairman of NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie; the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII and the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Dumaro Charles Owaba III.

The completion and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the NNPC Limited and its partners to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Property 0
Primary Election: Jimoh Ibrahim Withdraws Suit Against Ayedatiwa, Ondo APC

Mohammed Shosanya

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim,an aspirant in the All Progressive Congress, APC Governorship primary election in November 2023,Tuesday withdrew his suit against Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo and the state branch of APC in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he said called him several times on the issue.

Ibrahim told journalists in Abuja that it will be rude of him not to respect Mr. President who had spoken with him severally on the matter.

“The suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President called me, had a meeting with me, and assured me that he will as the leader of the party improve on internal democracy within our party, and I will need to withdraw the case to enable him to chart a way forward.

“The Governor of Ondo state Lucky Aiyedatiwa earlier visited my Asokoro residence for several hours after another unsuccessful visit to my hotel room in Akure. I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue I am fighting for is not personal. It is simply to improve internal democracy to which the President has promised improvement. My respect for the President is absolute,” he said.

He thanked Tinubu for the words of wisdom and encouragement during his meeting with him which he said lasted over one hour.

“And his various interactions with me on the telephone during which he emphasized his commitment to internal democracy over and over again. Thank you, Mr. President.

“The withdrawal of this legendary suit coincide with the first anniversary of Mr. President’s incredible performance in office, and this is my gift of the “cake” of the first anniversary! Thank you all for your support,” he said.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Politics 0
Emirship Tussel: Court Orders Kano Police To Evict Dethroned Aminu Ado Bayero From Palace

Mohammed Shosanya

A Kano High,Monday ordered the Commissioner of Police in the State to remove the dethroned Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayeroas the 15th Emir.

The court also issued an interim injunction preventing the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from parading himself as the Emir of Kano.

The orders were sought by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, and the State House of Assembly in a suit against Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the four other deposed Emirs including Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar II, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya

Justice Aisha Adamu Aliyu,who delivered the orders,restrained the 1, 2, 3rd 4th & 5th defendants either by themselves, servants, privies, and or any other persons or officers serving under them or acting in connection with any other person from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the applicants.

The orders read:“That an order is hereby granted to the extent that the Commissioner of Police Kano State should immediately take over the palace of the Emir of Kano situate being and lying at State Road Kano and evict the 1st defendant/Respondent from the said palace pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 24th May, 2024.

“That an order of this Hon. Court is hereby granted restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th & 5th Defendants from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye in the interest of peace in Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“That an order is hereby made that 15th defendants be served through the office of the Commissioner Police, Kano State who is to ensure immediate implementation of the order of the Hon. court in the interest of justice.”

admin by — May 28, 2024 in News 0
Senate Confirms Agama SEC DG

Mohammed Shosanya

The Senate Committee on Capital Market has confirmed Dr. Emomotimi Agama as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Committee chaired by Senator Osita Izunaso, also approved the nomination of Frana Chukwuogor as Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement),Mr Bola Ajomale as Executive Commissioner (Operations) and Mrs. Samiya Usman as Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services).

President Bola Tinubu had on April 19 this year appointed Agama as the DG of SEC to take over from Lamido Yuguda.

His appointment as SEC DG has been hailed by capital market stakeholders who described him as a technocrat that would boost the birthing of the Tinubu administration’s $1tn economy.

Speaking after his confirmation, Agama, a technocrat and insider of the commission said he will accelerate the development of the capital market in a manner that would boost wealth creation, attract investments and create jobs for Nigerians.

According to him,his team was appointed by President Tinubu to change the narrative of the capital market and reposition it to the path that would boost economic growth.

He said: “We are bringing on board innovation, development. We are going to change the narrative of the Nigerian capital market. We are going to turn it around. That is the essence of our appointed by Mr. President. With this team, we assure Nigerians that we’re going to do the best that the President has the desire to do.

“So, we should all wait to see what is going to happen. Our desire is to move this market forward. And to help in achieving the President’s $1tn economy in the shortest possible time.

“Yes, the President is going to be a year in office in a few days. That is remarkable because as an anniversary giver, the President has given us to Nigerians to do the best to change the market.”

He described the capital market as the barometer of the economy, noting that the Commission would implement innovative polices and programmes that will create world-class companies in such a way that will ensure redistribution of wealth.

He said:”You must understand that the capital market is actually the barometer of any economy. And without a strong capital market, then, of course, the economy will not do very well. The intention of this management is to make sure that we mainstream the capital market in the Nigerian economy.

“And in doing that, we’re going to be able to provide employment, change the narrative, and create companies that are going to be top world-class companies in such a way that there will be what we call redistribution of wealth.

“The President has an intention to change the lives of Nigerians. And the capital market is one of the vehicles that the President intends to use to achieve that. That is why the President has set up a team like this to be able to do that.”

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Regulators 0
Vandals Destroy Danbua 132kV Transmission Line,Steal 16 Spans Of Conductors-TCN

Mohammed Shosanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN),says its engineers are working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three towers along the Biu – Danbua 132kV transmission line were also vandalized with 16 spans of conductors stolen.

It decries the increasing spate of vandalism of electricity assets in the North East region.

Ndidi Mbah,the General Manager, Public Affairs, who conveyed this in a statement, said that these vandalism incidents collapse three towers along Biu-Dambua 132kV and remove tower members on one tower along Makurdi-Jos 330kV transmission line.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 7am, on 27th May, 2024, morning while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energizing of the line the same day.

“TCN hereby states that tower number T290, one of the four new towers erected by TCN contractors along the Jos – Gombe 330kV transmission line collapsed during the cable stringing process.

“The incident occurred at about 7am, this morning, 27th May, 2024, while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energizing of the line today.

“Despite of the security challenges in the area, TCN contractors and some of our engineering staff worked tirelessly to fast-track the project, doing all that was humanly possible to meet the time-line. Daily, the contractor, TCN engineers accompanied by security operatives consistently left the site by 10pm in the night and resumed work at 6am every day.

“Constructing towers and stringing power cables at such heights is highly technical, although TCN contractors and staff have successfully completed similar projects in other parts of the country. The collapse of the fourth tower is a significant setback, given the extensive efforts to ensure that today’s power restoration timeline was met.

“Our contractor is currently dismantling the collapsed tower members, to enable its reconstruction and final restringing of the cable.

“It is unfortunate to note that while TCN is working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three (3) towers along the Biu – Danbua 132kV transmission line were also vandalized with 16 spans of conductors stolen. The towers, which have all collapsed include towers T1690, T1691 and T1692. TCN has mobilized a contractor to commence their reconstruction. This discovery was made by TCN patrol team, last Friday.

“Additionally, this morning, the TCN lines patrol team discovered that tower T540 along the Makurdi – Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line has been vandalised. Sections of the tower have been removed, although the tower remains standing. TCN has contracted emergency repairs, to prevent its collapse.

“We reiterate our commitment to restoring normal bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North East and other areas affected by vandalism. There is however an urgent need for everyone to join hand with TCN in protecting our collective assets by being vigilant and reporting any suspected acts of tower and line vandalism promptly” the statement read.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Power 0
FG Suspends Nigeria Air,Restarts Concession Of Airports

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has reiterated that Nigeria Air remains suspended indefinitely.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,Festus Keyamo,who disclosed this on Monday at the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral briefings to mark the first anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu’s Administration,also hinted that the current would restart concessioning of airports in Nigeria.

He gave insights into the controversies surrounding the Nigeria Air, which was officially inaugurated in May 2023, by the then Nigerian Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika,saying there was never any Nigeria Air, but Ethiopian Airline painted in Nigerian colours and flying Nigerian flag.

He said:“It was never Air Nigeria, it was Ethiopian trying to flag our flag. It was not Air Nigeria. That is the truth. It was not Nigeria. It only printed Air Nigeria. It was an Ethiopian airline trying to fly our flag. If it is so, why not allow our local people to fly our flag. Why bring a foreigner to fly our flag?

“So nobody should deceive you that Air Nigeria, Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigeria or must be for the full benefit of Nigerians, not that 60 per cent of the profit is given to another country. How does that benefit us? It remains suspended. It remains so”

He hinted that the ministry had successfully secured President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s approval to restart all-over the concession of the nation’s major airports to make it more transparent.

This, he said is necessary because bureaucracy cannot not run public infrastructure.

“Until we do full concession of these airports and they are run professionally like private businesses, we are going to have these problems. That is the truth. So that is what we are doing. And the whole process, the President said we will go for the best in the world, in terms of airport management. And we will make it transparent process that all Nigerians , our compatriots, the National Assembly would not complain like they complained about the last process.

” The unions we will carry them along because the unions are very important in that process to ensure ensure and assure them that their interests are protected. And Nigerians will see us as transparent. So that is one of our way forward on that”.

He also disclosed that there are concerted efforts between the ministry, National Security Adviser (NSA) and the ministry of interior to rid the airports of touts and undesirable elements, stressing that the three agencies will soon issue a joint memo on that.

According to him,efforts are being made to seek backup from relevant security agencies that carry arm to effectively combat touts some of whom also carry arm, adding that the collaborative of efforts would reduce the human contacts at the airports across the country.

He stated that going forward, the Federal Government will undertake the fresh design of the aerotropolis, adding that the ministry had already advertised for the consultants.

“We are calling for the best design consultants. It is in the budget, the money is in the budget, we put it there. The National Assembly agreed with us, the President agreed with us that we need to develop a new master plan for all the airports. So we have a clear roadmap on that. We are starting with the design of the aerotropolis, we are advertising for that, we are calling for entries and we are going to choose the best to do that. So that is our clear part on that”,he added.

He said that is also currently focusing on ensuring that Nigeria is removed from the black book of the international leasing companies to allow local operators get access to leased aircrafts on good conditions the same way Ethiopia, Egypt, and others get.

“It is the key, empower them, make sure they get access to good aircraft the same way Emirates, British Airways get, all of these people, it is not magic, they don’t own those aircrafts, let us not be talking about poor economy, Bank cannot finance, no bank finances aircraft like that all over the world. It is not possible. It is the manufacturers or the leasing companies that do that.

” They give you, you run them. Most of these aircrafts you see owned by aircraft companies they have gone to up to 50 countries. They will operate for one year if cannot pay, they will take it, they will repaint it , they Ethiopia, if they cannot pay, they will repaint it and give it to Qatar, that is what happens. So our people should have access, why are not having access, we are on black book of the international leasing companies.

“Simple.They put Nigeria on the black book, they tell everybody don’t give them aircraft on dry lease, the only thing you get is wet lease, wet lease is ACMI or dark lease, what will happen, don’t put the aircraft in their total control. Wet lease is that the person giving you will be partly in control of that aircraft, that is why you some white men flying your local aircraft.

“And it is three times more expensive than dry lease because you pay in dollars , pay the Pilot, pay the crew, pay everything. And when you park the aircraft on the tarmac you must have a full tank. Full tank because in case they want to fly out they won’t look for JetA1, any day you are parking you must fill the tank. That is the agreement.

“According to relevant stakeholders, including Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Judge of Supreme Court,and others have agreed on amendment of Nigeria’s practice directions to say ‘no court order to give injunctions to keep aircraft in the country”.

He said the draft of the amendment of the practice directions is ongoing, stressing that it will give investors confidence, adding that the ministry is on the verge of concluding an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing, and are in talks with France, Airbus and others.

Keyamo also said efforts are underway to attracting , Maintenance, repair and overhaul. Otherwise known called MROs.

“We are focused on attracting international investors to come and establish MRO in Nigeria” he said.

He said there is no MRO for the wide body aircrafts in the whole of West Africa, but Ibom Air is doing the first massive MRO in Nigeria which is 90% ready, adding that he promised the company full government certification as Airbus is already equipping the facility.

According to him, the MRO will allow operators to do their A, B, and C checks in the country, while working on transiting to eco-friendly airports.

He said that the achievements recorded within the nine months under review are divided into three parts including the completions of projects on ground, implemented policies within the period that have yielded results, the third is designing a clear direction for the ministry.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Aviation 0
House Committee Advocates Alternate Funding For Deep Blue Project

Mohammed Shosanya

Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, has called for seeking alternate sources of funding for the Federal Government Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project, also known as the Deep Blue Project, which is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and currently funded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, noted that the Agency is committed to the sustainability of the project.

According to a statement by Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations, shortly after witnessing the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) Operational Maritime Capability Demonstration in Lagos alongside the NIMASA Director General and the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Honorable Uduak Odudoh acknowledged that the Deep Blue Project has played a significant role in maintaining peace in Nigerian waters in recent years.

He added that the achievements of the NIMASA-Nigerian Navy partnership have elevated the country to a high international standing in maritime security. He noted that to sustain the project, it is time to seek additional sources of funding.

He said:“At the IMO Conference last year, Nigeria was greatly commended for the fact that there has not been any pirate attack on our waters in two years. That feat was achieved through the efforts of the Deep Blue Project. When I looked at the budget, I saw provisions for Deep Blue Project management and sustainability. I want to commend NIMASA for this. However, it is pitiful that only NIMASA is funding this project. If a project like this is taken seriously, the issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta would be reduced to zero.”

“We have no option than to look at the budget, if they require more funds, we would approve it for the benefit of suppression of security challenges in Nigeria. If maritime security is guaranteed, the revenue of NIMASA would increase, and by extension, that of NPA and others, this means more money for Nigeria”.

Speaking,the NIMASA DG Dr Dayo Mobereola restated the Agency’s commitment to the sustainability of the Project while addressing the men and officers of the Maritime Security Unit.

“This project has earned Nigeria International recognition by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and we have been taken off from the Piracy list. The aim is to continue to sustain it and we will continue to encourage the personnel of the Deep Blue Project. Keep it up, and we on our own side would continue to support you as much as humanly possible.

“Please don’t reduce your efforts as we count on you to make the maritime space more secure, the President of Nigeria is counting on you, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is also in support of this project” he said.

The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh unveiled the aircrew accommodation renovated by the Deep Blue Project, while the NIMASA DG, Dr Dayo Mobereola, commissioned the interceptors’ marine workshop.

The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, and Executive Directors of NIMASA, among others, witnessed the demonstrations, which included various tactics such as boat formations, vessel boarding and overtaking with interceptor boats, rappelling and fast rope descents from helicopters, as well as hoist rescues.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Business 0
Ekiti Govt Registers Ile Iyi Electric Power Coy

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ekiti State Government,has incorporated Ile Iyi Electric Power Company Nig. Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission to handle services relating to electricity and energy engineering in the state.

The state Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Bolaji Aluko,who disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during an audience participation programme on radio, ‘Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today’,explained that the new company would operate as an independent private body without bureaucratic challenges.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had ceded its regulatory oversight of the electricity market in the state to the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EERB).

Speaking further,Mr Aluko stated the objectives of the company to include rendering services for the provision of electricity to the public and private sector, as well as rendering such services commercially to individuals and governments of other states in Nigeria.

He added:“It would also render services relating to electricity and energy engineering, including consultancy and design of electricity infrastructure from renewable or non-renewable energy sources, and to develop and deploy technical support services in the electricity sector as a commercial service”.

According to him,the company was expected to collaborate with other corporate organisations in engineering businesses involving generation, transmission and local distribution of electricity as well as power metering technology production and sales within Ekiti State.

He noted that the new company would also render strategic support services on best standard practices and process optimisation to corporate organisations and state government institutions in the area of electricity.

He added that when required, it is also authorised to appoint licensed entities to procure and aggregate feedstock for utilisation under the power schemes of Ekiti State and purchase electricity including materials and equipment in bulk from independent power service providers and external sources such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) or sell to consumers across the state.

The commissioner,who reiteratex the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to the provision of stable electricity, disclosed the achievements of the administration in the power sector including the establishment of the 5-megawatt Independent Power Project,currently providing uninterrupted power supply to government offices and some other key government installations in the state capital as well as the rehabilitated and connection of Erijiyan, Ikogosi and Ikogosi Resorts back to the National Grid to enhance the state’s tourism corridor.

He assured that finding solutions to challenges with stable electricity supply would also address most of the problems associated with the distribution of potable water in the state.

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Power 0
Rivers: NDDC Distributes Free Drugs,Mosquito-Treated Nets To Mark World Malaria Day

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, on Saturday conducted free Malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Ogu Community, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State of scores of residents including pregnant women and senior citizens.

The development was in commemoration of the annual World Malaria Day, observed globally on May 25,

The NDDC also distributed several Mosquito-treated nets, food, beverages, water and also Malaria drugs to residents who tested positive for the parasites, after sensitising the people.

Speaking after the sensitisation and items distribution, which took place at the Ogu community town hall, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the intervention was timely following the peoples clamour for help.

Ogbuku,who was represented by Dr. Asela Agala, commission’s Assistant Director, Education/Health/Social Services, noted that the programme was part of its efforts to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from Malaria infection.

Ogbuku said: “We came here to sensitise the people about the dangers of Malaria, how to manage and ways to prevent it. Malaria kills many of our children between zero to five years and pregnant women.

“This sensitisation should have been done in Port Harcourt, but we felt people in the rural communities need it more. Our target is the communities, you know that in the cities, our doors and windows are netted, but in the rural area they don’t know about that.

“Pregnant women in the cities go for antenatal, but in the communities, because of inaccessibility to health care, we decided to go to tje people.”

Earlier,an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist with the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and doubles as a lecturer at the Rivers State University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. George Ella, while sensitising the people on the dangers of Malaria and ways to prevent it, emphasised the importance of seeking proper medical care after being infected by Malaria.

Dr. Ella,stressed that pregnant women and infants are more susceptible to Malaria parasite infection, following their fragile immune system, hence the crucial need for the people to keep their environment clean and ensure that their drainages flowing, adding that doing so would eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“First and foremost for Malaria prevention, pregnant woman must sleep under insecticide treated net and secondly, they must must take preventive therapy, there’s what we call intermittent preventive therapy for malaria which is done with the use of Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine, a drug that is commonly known as Fansidar given to pregnant women of about four months every four weeks until they deliver.

“So women should take advantage of that, but for those who actually come down with malaria must receive treatment in a hospital, because sometimes malaria can cause miscarriage or death of the baby inside the womb because the immunity of the pregnant woman is lower and so they are highly vulnerable to malaria attacks.

“Those that are not pregnant need to also prevent malaria by sleeping inside a mosquito treated net, then of course environmental sanitation is very important, you must keep the drainages flowing, so people must avoid throwing their dirts and rubbish inside the drainages, our environment must be kept clean because dirty environment makes room for mosquitoes breeding grounds which would in turn bite people in their homes and transmit malaria germs,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries identified as Mrs. Rose Sokari, thanked the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC, for bringing the medical intervention to their community.

She prayed God to bless and grant the organisers more wisdom to fulfill their assignments in the NDDC.

She added:“I am very very happy and grateful for this programme today that NDDC has remembered Ogu through Boma Iyaye. We thank God for that.

“Those that sponsored the programme, may God bless them and give them more knowledge and wisdom, let God fill their pockets and may such programmes always come to us.”

admin by — May 28, 2024 in Health 0