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Fubara Hails IGP Disu’s Professionalism During Rivers Political Crisis

The Atlantic Bell
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….Rivers governor pledges continued support for police as IGP seeks cooperation ahead of 2027 elections

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (right), presenting a plaque to the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu (left),during the courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has attributed the elevation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to the professionalism, dedication and commitment to duty he demonstrated while serving as Commissioner of Police in the state.

Fubara spoke on Tuesday when Disu paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, describing the police chief’s appointment as a recognition of his effective handling of security challenges during a turbulent period in Rivers State.

The governor said he was particularly pleased to receive Disu, who served in Rivers at the height of the political crisis, noting that his conduct during the period demonstrated a commitment to his constitutional responsibilities despite the prevailing tensions.
“I feel very happy that somebody who left here in a very difficult situation, in a very trying time, is here today visiting us in a higher capacity,” Fubara said.

He commended the IGP for maintaining a balanced and professional approach while discharging his duties, despite the political difficulties confronting the state during his tenure as commissioner of police.
“While he was here as Commissioner of Police, it was at the peak of a crisis, but I can tell you that he did his work not minding the situation. He tried as much as he could to balance all areas,” the governor said.

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara (middle ) in a group photograph with the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu and members of his entourage during the courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Fubara added that Disu’s performance in Rivers State had contributed to his elevation to the highest office in the Nigeria Police Force.

Describing the IGP’s visit as a homecoming, the governor said anyone who served a community meritoriously would remain part of its history.
He expressed confidence that Disu’s role during the political crisis would be remembered when the history of his administration was written.

The governor, however, noted that the IGP had assumed office at another challenging period for the country, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.

He expressed hope that the police chief would successfully navigate the security challenges associated with the elections and other national concerns.

“You are taking this new office at a very difficult time too, considering the challenges we are already facing in this country and the one we are about to enter into, which is the election. I strongly believe that God will give you the grace to surmount that challenge,” he said.

Fubara assured the police chief of the Rivers State Government’s continued support and cooperation in maintaining law and order.

He also prayed for Disu’s success, expressing confidence that his tenure would bring further progress in his policing career.

Earlier, the IGP said his visit was an opportunity to express appreciation to Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation during his tenure as commissioner of police.

Disu also disclosed that he was in Port Harcourt to attend the book launch of Dame Stella Okuyiga, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and one of the first 20 women to join the Nigeria Police Force.

He described Okuyiga, who is 94 years old, as a living monument whose contributions to the police institution deserved recognition.
The police chief commended Rivers residents for supporting peace and thanked Fubara for the assistance extended to him during his tenure as commissioner and the continued support being given to his successor.

He stressed that cooperation between the state government and security agencies was essential for effective policing, noting that the absence of such collaboration would make the task more difficult.

Disu added that other security agencies in the state had also asked him to convey their appreciation to the governor for his support to the security sector.

RIVCHPP Targets 111,865 Residents For Health Insurance Coverage, Urges Retirees To Access Care

The Atlantic Bell
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Dr. Vetty Agala, Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, addressing the management meeting of the agency.

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has raised its enrolment target under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 84,054 to 111,865, as it prepares to expand health insurance coverage across the state.

The programme said it would conduct a mop-up enrolment exercise across the 23 local government areas in October and November 2026 to meet the revised target set by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Unit of RIVCHPP on Friday, following the agency’s third-quarter management review meeting in Port Harcourt.

The planned mop-up exercise is expected to expand access to health insurance by identifying and enrolling more eligible residents, particularly those who have yet to benefit from the state’s contributory health protection scheme.

RIVCHPP urged eligible residents to obtain their National Identification Number (NIN), which it identified as a key requirement for enrolment, to facilitate their registration and access to essential healthcare services.
In a related development, the agency has expressed concern over the low utilisation of healthcare services by retired Rivers State Government workers already enrolled in the programme.

An analysis presented at its third-quarter management review meeting reportedly showed that retirees were not accessing medical services under the scheme as expected.

The agency consequently urged verified retirees to take full advantage of their health insurance coverage by visiting their designated healthcare facilities whenever they require medical attention.

It noted that the programme was designed to improve access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on beneficiaries, warning against allowing the benefits of enrolment to remain unused.

RIVCHPP also advised retirees who were unsure of their assigned healthcare facilities or wished to change their existing facilities to contact its call centre on 08085315664 or 09046962204 for clarification and assistance.

The agency reiterated that effective utilisation of the scheme by enrolled retirees, alongside the enrolment of more eligible residents, remained important to achieving broader healthcare coverage across Rivers State.

Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition As Atiku’s Aide Questions N3.8bn Media Chat Spending

The Atlantic Bell
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his multi-party Rainbow Coalition as a political platform that would remain in place ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid questions by a media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over the estimated cost of the minister’s televised media engagements.

Wike, who spoke during a media parley with select journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, insisted that the coalition was established to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and would not be abandoned despite criticism from some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the same time, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, has challenged the FCT minister to disclose the invoices, funding sources and budgetary provisions for his media engagements, estimating that the broadcasts could cost between ₦1.92 billion and ₦3.84 billion annually if held monthly under the assumptions he outlined.

“What I’ve said to Nigerians and to Almighty God is, ‘I’m going to support Tinubu for him to realise his second-term ambition.’ I did not promise any governor,” he said.

The minister also denied soliciting political favours from APC governors, citing his support for some of them during previous political contests.

“If you have any problem with me, come out back and face Wike. Don’t go on under the Rainbow Coalition. For the Rainbow Coalition, it has come. It will stay. There’s nothing anybody can do about it,” he said.
Wike’s position comes amid growing disagreement within the APC over his continued membership of the PDP while mobilising support for Tinubu through a cross-party political platform.

Ibe said residents of the FCT deserved to know the actual expenditure on the broadcasts and how much attention was devoted to infrastructure, public services and other issues affecting the territory. “There is nothing wrong with a minister explaining his stewardship. But public resources must serve public purposes, not personal political battles,” he wrote.

He argued that the minister’s media engagements should focus on the performance of the FCT administration rather than political disputes involving opposition figures, including Atiku, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Democratic Congress (NDC).

Ibe consequently challenged Wike to publish the invoices and identify the broadcasting stations allegedly paid, the amounts involved, the sources of funding and the relevant budget lines. “Minister Wike, publish the invoices. Identify the stations paid, the amounts, the funding sources and the relevant budget lines,” he said.

Although the minister’s media parley provided an opportunity to discuss his administration’s projects and his political position ahead of the 2027 elections, Ibe’s intervention has raised questions about the cost of the engagements and whether they are financed from public funds.

No evidence presented by Ibe established that the broadcasts were paid for with public money, while Wike had not, in the statements provided, responded directly to the specific demand for invoices and details of the funding. The controversy highlights two issues increasingly shaping political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections:

Wike’s determination to sustain a cross-party coalition in support of Tinubu despite resistance from some APC governors, and the demand for greater transparency over the use of public resources for government communications and media appearances.

Wike, Adeleke, Soludo named In Revised APC Presidential Campaign Council …APGA Hails Soludo’s Inclusion

The Atlantic Bell
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a revised list of its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, featuring serving governors, opposition figures and prominent political leaders in a move aimed at strengthening its re-election campaign for President Bola Tinubu.

Among the notable appointments is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been designated campaign coordinator for Tinubu in Rivers State and the FCT.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has also been named campaign coordinator for his state, while former Gombe State Governor and serving Peoples Democratic Party senator, Ibrahim Dankwambo, has been appointed an adviser to the council.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been appointed Deputy Director-General for Administration, while Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, will serve as Deputy Director-General for the South II.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has been named South-South Deputy Coordinator for State Assemblies Mobilisation.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, will serve as Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure and Sensitisation.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been appointed Director of Finance, while Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, will jointly coordinate fundraising activities.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been named Director of Stakeholder Mobilisation, while former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, will coordinate stakeholder mobilisation in the South-West zone.

Representative James Faleke has been appointed Deputy Director-General for Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring.

The appointments reflect the party’s efforts to consolidate its political structure, mobilise support across the country and build a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

However, the inclusion of opposition figures and serving politicians from other parties in the revised list is likely to draw attention to the political alignments emerging ahead of the polls.

In a statement, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said the campaign council would be nominated on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has hailed the appointment of governor Soludo into the APC campaign council. In a statement signed by APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, the party said Soludo’s inclusion is a testament to his exemplary leadership, uncommon commitment to progressive ideals, and his consistent advocacy for a strategic partnership between APGA and the Federal Government for the collective good of Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo at large.

Ejimofor said Soludo’s mantra that ‘Progressives are Working Together’ is not just a slogan, but a statement of historical truth, adding that APGA, as the first truly progressive party in Nigeria, shares ideological DNA with the progressive movement at the centre.

According to him, this synergy has already yielded tangible dividends for Anambra State, including federal collaboration on critical infrastructural interventions and economic development enablers.

He explained that while APGA remains firmly in control of Anambra State, the party’s position remains that in Anambra, it is Tinubu for President, APGA for Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly

NYSC DG Charges Corps Members To Build Leadership Skills, Shun Electoral Bias

The Atlantic Bell
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The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members deployed to Rivers State to embrace the challenges of the orientation course and equip themselves with the skills required for effective leadership.

Nafiu gave the charge on Monday while addressing members of the 2026 Batch C Stream I at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He urged the corps members to participate actively in camp activities, stressing the need for them to become leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to national development.

He also advised them to take the in-camp and post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, noting that the initiative would help them create sustainable wealth and develop multiple sources of income.

The NYSC director-general further cautioned the corps members against activities that could expose them to danger, urging them to remain security-conscious, avoid night travel and refrain from the irresponsible use of social media and other negative practices.

Earlier, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Moses Oleghe, told the visiting director-general that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had approved an immediate increase in the state allowance paid to corps members serving in the state.

According to Oleghe, corps members posted to urban areas would receive ₦20,000, while those deployed to rural communities would receive ₦35,000.

He said the improved allowance, alongside other achievements recorded under his administration, had distinguished the state’s NYSC programme.

Nafiu was accompanied on the visit by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Carol William Embu; Director of Special Duties, Mr George Mfongang; and Acting Director of the NYSC South-South Area Office II, Port Harcourt, Mrs Olayinka Diana Nasamu.

UNICEF, Health Ministry Train 60 Community Facilitators To Reach 90,000 Households In Six LGAs

The Atlantic Bell
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….Charge Them to Lead Campaign Against FGM

Sixty newly trained Community Facilitators have been charged to lead the movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in their various communities in Rivers State.

The 60 trained community facilitators are expected to cascade the training to 15 Adolescent Gender Champions (AGCs) each across 30 communities, bringing the total number of AGCs to 450.

Each AGCs will mobilise 10 of their peers( friends), reaching 4,500 peers who, alongside the AGCs, will conduct step-down training to reach 90,000 female family members across the six LGAs.

The Child Protection Specialist, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Enugu Field Office, Victor Atuchukwu, gave the charge at the just-concluded three-day training on FGM in Port Harcourt.

Cross session of the participants during the training session.

The training, organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Health with support from the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM, had participants drawn from female youth-led and women-led Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) across Okrika, Ikwerre, Eleme, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Omuma and Oyigbo Local Government Areas.

Speaking shortly after the training, Atuchukwu said the time has come for survivors, women and even one-time perpetrators to take ownership of the fight against FGM.

“Lead the movement, no person is coming to end female genital mutilation for you in your community, only you can.

“But as a survivor, as a woman, or a one-time perpetrator, this is the time for all hands to come on deck to end FGM in our communities,” he charged.

He said the ultimate goal is to ensure every child, girl and woman in Rivers State is protected from violence and harmful practices.

He disclosed that although implementation commenced only last year in four other communities in the state, UNICEF is already recording positive changes in attitudes, behaviours and practices.

He added that the impact on prevalence will be measured by the next national surveys such as the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

“We are beginning to record change in attitudes, change in behaviours, change in practices and abandoning the negative components of the practices that affect women and girls,” he said.

According to him, a strong follow-up mechanism has been put in place to ensure the training translates to action. This includes creation of WhatsApp groups for facilitators and joint supervision by the Ministries of Health, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, and Justice, as well as direct feedback from communities through pictures and reports.

He added that UNICEF and the UNFPA Joint Programme will also conduct in-person visits to the communities to monitor progress.

The UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist noted that ignorance remains a major driver of FGM, adding that many participants were unaware that certain practices, including massaging, constitute FGM.

Earlier, the Health Promotion Officer of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mary Obisike, urged participants to remain open to learning new things and unlearning negative beliefs and practices that affect the health of children and communities.

She encouraged the facilitators to apply the knowledge acquired and share it with their respective communities.

Participants described the sessions as “interactive, practical and enlightening.

They commended the facilitators, Victor Atuchukwu, Dr. Mary Obisike, Executive Director of Tomorrow is a Girl, Lucy Uzodimma-Ogodo, her counterpart from Virgin Foundation, Peace Dike, the Rivers State Child Protection Network Coordinator, Inyingi Irimagha, and the Assistant Registrar, Rivers State Family Court, Ugwochi Agala, Esq., for their presentations and participatory teaching methods.

The facilitators pledged to cascade the knowledge gained to their communities, establish and strengthen adolescent circles, and work with Adolescent Gender Champions (AGCs), parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders to promote the abandonment of FGM.

The three-day training featured practical sessions, group work and demonstrations on topics including types and consequences of FGM, adolescent reproductive health, gender concepts, facilitation skills, community dialogue techniques and child protection laws.

CJN Warns Judges, Lawyers Against Bias In 2027 Election Disputes

The Atlantic Bell
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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges and lawyers against conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

She urged judicial officers to handle political and electoral disputes with impartiality, restraint and strict adherence to the law, warning that their conduct and decisions would come under intense public scrutiny.

Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday at a special session of the Supreme Court in Abuja to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.

She said electoral contests often generated heightened political activity and strong emotions, resulting in disputes with far-reaching consequences for individuals, political parties and the country.

She urged judges to avoid political associations and conduct capable of creating an impression of bias, noting that even the appearance of partiality could damage public trust in the judicial system.

Kekere-Ekun also expressed concern over the practice of forum shopping, whereby litigants deliberately institute cases in courts or divisions perceived to be favourable to their interests or file multiple suits seeking substantially similar reliefs.

According to her, such practices could generate conflicting court orders, disrupt the orderly administration of justice and expose the judiciary to avoidable embarrassment.

She warned that forum shopping could create the impression that litigants were seeking favourable outcomes from particular courts rather than pursuing justice in accordance with the law.

The Supreme Court chief further warned against allowing the growing volume of political litigation to undermine the timely determination of other cases.

She said the judiciary must remain accessible to all litigants, adding that the urgency or public prominence of electoral disputes should not result in other legitimate claims being neglected or delayed.

Kekere-Ekun maintained that the administration of justice required a balance between addressing politically sensitive disputes and ensuring that all other cases received the attention they deserved.

Her warning comes as political parties and their aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections, a period expected to generate legal disputes over party primaries, candidate selection and other electoral processes.

She stressed the need for judges and lawyers to uphold professional standards and constitutional principles to preserve the credibility of the judiciary and strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice.

Nigeria, Germany Move To Deepen Economic Ties, Expand Investment Cooperation

The Atlantic Bell
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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic relations with Germany, with emphasis on investment promotion, energy cooperation and the implementation of existing bilateral agreements.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stated this in Abuja on Monday when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, paid a courtesy visit to the ministry.

Bagudu welcomed the ambassador and his delegation, expressing Nigeria’s appreciation for Germany’s longstanding partnership and support for the country’s economic reform programme, particularly during its early stages.

He recalled that when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Nigeria, the Federal Government was implementing major economic reforms that required support from international partners, including Germany, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Union.

He also acknowledged Germany’s role in facilitating high-level engagements between both countries, particularly in trade, investment and energy cooperation. According to him, discussions during the Nigerian President’s visit to Germany helped advance negotiations on key energy agreements.

Bagudu noted that Nigeria and Germany had established a strong foundation for bilateral relations, with considerable opportunities to expand cooperation in areas capable of stimulating economic growth and development.

He identified discussions involving €25 million and €300 million in export credit guarantees as important areas of engagement, noting that Nigeria was seeking to expand investment opportunities and improve its capacity to deploy available resources effectively.

The minister said ongoing reforms had created opportunities for Nigeria to attract more investment, strengthen productive capacity and translate international partnerships into measurable economic benefits.

He, however, expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship between the two countries would provide a solid basis for addressing emerging challenges and sustaining mutually beneficial cooperation.

Rössel also welcomed the ministry’s willingness to sustain engagement with Germany, emphasising the need to preserve established partnerships while adapting to changing circumstances.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and welcomed him to Nigeria.

She expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with him and relevant German agencies, stressing that the success of bilateral cooperation would depend largely on translating agreements and shared commitments into practical outcomes.

Uzoka-Anite assured the delegation that the ministry would continue to facilitate cooperation and support efforts to ensure that joint initiatives were implemented effectively and delivered tangible benefits.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Deborah Odoh, described Germany as a reliable development partner whose technical expertise, knowledge exchange and experience had contributed to Nigeria’s development.

She expressed optimism that the ambassador’s tenure would create further opportunities to strengthen cooperation and advance the longstanding relationship between both countries.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria and Germany to sustained diplomatic engagement, expanded economic cooperation and stronger investment partnerships aimed at promoting development in both countries.

Sterling Oil Wins NAEC Excellence Award For Second Consecutive Year

The Atlantic Bell
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Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has won the Government–Private Partner of the Year Award at the 2026 Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Annual Energy Conference and Awards, marking its second consecutive year of recognition by the association.

The award, presented on October 9, 2026, recognises the company’s collaboration with government institutions to strengthen marine security, enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy and protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas assets.

The recognition underscores SEEPCO’s contribution to promoting security, stability and operational continuity in the country’s upstream petroleum sector, where effective partnerships between government and private operators remain essential to sustainable industry growth.

The company’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy, particularly through the KALI Series Security Support Vessels designed and built in Delta State, reflects its commitment to strengthening maritime security and developing indigenous capabilities.

The initiative also supports local content development by demonstrating the capacity of Nigerian expertise to contribute to the protection of critical national energy infrastructure.

At the conference, SEEPCO’s goodwill message, delivered by its General Manager, Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Dr Jite Orimiono, commended NAEC for providing a platform for discussions on the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.

With the theme, “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth,” the conference examined the importance of access to energy assets in attracting investment, expanding indigenous participation, creating opportunities across the value chain and promoting sustainable economic growth.

SEEPCO’s message emphasised that the development of Nigeria’s energy sector should extend beyond production to encompass strategic partnerships, local capacity development, asset security and a shared commitment to creating lasting value for communities and the nation.

It also highlighted the role of the media in promoting accountability, facilitating informed discussions and reporting developments that shape the industry.

The latest honour follows the company’s receipt of the Sustainability Company of the Year Award at the 2025 NAEC Awards in recognition of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.

SEEPCO said it remained committed to sustainability through environmental protection, community development programmes, improved resource efficiency and responsible business operations.

As part of these efforts, the company launched the SEEPCO SMILE Campaign in 2025 in partnership with NAEC. The initiative seeks to deepen community engagement and deliver social benefits under the campaign’s message of bringing smiles with each barrel to the last mile.

The consecutive recognitions highlight the company’s focus on collaboration, sustainability and community engagement as part of its contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector.

SEEPCO said it would continue to strengthen partnerships with government institutions, industry stakeholders, host communities and the media to support the protection of energy assets and the sustainable development of the sector.

Fubara Extends Health Insurance To to 50,000 More Rivers Residents

The Atlantic Bell
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…Targets flood victims, vulnerable households, primary school pupils

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the extension of health insurance coverage to an additional 50,000 residents, including flood victims, vulnerable persons and pupils in public primary schools across the state.

The initiative, funded through the state government’s equity contributions to the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), is aimed at expanding access to healthcare and reducing the financial burden of medical treatment on vulnerable households.

The Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, disclosed this on Friday during an interaction with journalists after the agency’s third-quarter management review meeting in Port Harcourt.

Agala said the governor’s intervention was designed to strengthen the implementation of the contributory health insurance programme and ensure that more residents, particularly those facing financial difficulties, could access essential healthcare services.

She explained that extending coverage to flood victims formed part of the state government’s response to the impact of flooding on affected communities.

According to her, the initiative recognises that the consequences of flooding extend beyond immediate humanitarian needs to include the healthcare challenges confronting displaced households and residents whose livelihoods have been disrupted.

Agala added that the inclusion of pupils in public primary schools would improve children’s access to healthcare, safeguard their well-being and promote a healthier school-age population across Rivers State.

She said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access and protecting vulnerable residents from the financial hardship associated with medical treatment.

The intervention aligns with Fubara’s Health4AllRivers vision, which seeks to advance universal health coverage by expanding access to affordable healthcare and ensuring that more residents benefit from health insurance.

The additional coverage is expected to extend the programme’s reach to vulnerable groups, particularly flood-affected households and schoolchildren, who may otherwise face barriers to accessing essential medical services.

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