The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) is deepening its grassroots engagement as part of efforts to expand universal health coverage across the state, taking its sensitisation campaign to churches and community town-hall meetings.

At one of such outreaches, the Executive Secretary of the state health insurance agency, Dr. Vetty Agala, underscored the importance of health insurance as a buffer against the rising cost of medical care and the financial shocks that often accompany health emergencies.

She urged residents of Rivers State to enrol in the various RIVCHPP programmes and packages to secure access to affordable and quality healthcare.

Dr. Agala spoke while addressing the leadership and congregation of Life Forte Chapel, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, where he highlighted the benefits of enrolment, noting that healthcare costs have become increasingly astronomical. According to him, RIVCHPP enrollees can access services through accredited public and private health facilities in the state, supported by functional referral systems.

She further clarified that services offered under the scheme are comprehensive and can be accessed without additional out-of-pocket payments, encouraging beneficiaries to actively utilise healthcare services available to them under the programme.

The Executive Secretary acknowledged the backing of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the administration’s #Health4AllRivers agenda, aimed at ensuring that no resident is excluded from quality healthcare.

Dr. Agala also commended the leadership of Life Forte Chapel for partnering with RIVCHPP, announcing that the church had facilitated the enrolment of 125 of its members into the scheme.

In his remarks, the Lead Pastor of Life Forte Chapel, Dr. Tombari Gbeneol, described holistic wellbeing as a balance of spiritual, emotional and physical health, explaining that the church’s decision to gift some members health insurance was to protect them from avoidable health-related embarrassment.

In a related development, the Head of Marketing and Business Development at RIVCHPP, Mr. Kingsley Ngini, has called on communities, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to partner with the agency by gifting health insurance policies to members of their families, associations and communities.

Mr. Ngini made the appeal during an engagement with members of the Ihiala Women’s Association, Port Harcourt chapter, where he also sensitised them on the benefits of the scheme, assuring them that RIVCHPP provides access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.
Responding, the President of the Association pledged that the group would enrol collectively, including their families, having been convinced of the long-term benefits of the programme.

The expanding outreach to faith-based organisations and community groups underscores RIVCHPP’s growing footprint and its strategy of driving health insurance awareness from the grassroots up, as the agency pushes towards broader health coverage in Rivers State.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Rivers State Branch has expanded its humanitarian footprint in Rivers State with the formal inauguration of student volunteers at Command Children School (CCS), Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, marking a significant step in promoting humanitarian values among young Nigerians.

The ceremony, which took place at the school premises, officially admitted CCS students into the Nigerian Red Cross Society following as disclosed by opening remarks by the Rivers State Branch Representative of the Red Cross Society, Mr Noah Idegbesor, during his opening remarks at the occasion.

In a symbolic display, the students marched to the flag stand alongside members of the high table and the Branch Representative, where the Red Cross flag was hoisted, signifying the school’s full induction into the Nigerian Red Cross Society. With the flag raised, CCS was formally declared a member institution of the NRCS.

As part of the inauguration, a certificate of affiliation was presented to the school by the Nigerian Red Cross Society and received on behalf of the school by the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo.

Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Acting Director, Nigerian Army 6 Division Education Services, Port Harcourt, Lt. Col. A. Sadiq described the event as very unique and significant.

Represented by Staff Sergeant Arisa Eberechi, the Director assured of the support of his team in ensuring success of the endeavour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Mr Zuru Daniel said the establishment of the Red Cross unit in the school was a welcome development and assured of the support of the body to ensure its sustainability.

The event also featured a parade by the volunteers and inspected by the chairman of occasion, also freewill donations from dignitaries and parents in attendance, underscoring community support for the humanitarian initiative.

Speaking earlier, the Head Teacher, Mrs Onwuzuruigbo Taiwo, described the inauguration as an emotional and fulfilling moment. “It was awesome. We thought it would not be possible, but today it was glorious,” she said.

She explained that the school’s participation in the Red Cross Society began when management decided to introduce clubs and societies. “I told my assistant that I wanted the Red Cross to be one of them. The Red Cross signifies many things; it is service to humanity,” she added.

Also, the Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs Bawo Agbana expressed appreciation to dignitaries, officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and parents for their support and presence.

The Assistant Head Teacher (Administration) described the programme as overwhelming and exciting, expressing gratitude to God for its success. She said the school’s decision to embrace the Red Cross Society was driven by the need to instil values of love, kindness and service in children from an early age.

“Our impression of the Red Cross is being good to people, showing love and kindness. As the children grow, we want to build the spirit of humanity in them so they can show love and care in school, their communities and Nigeria at large,” she said, adding that early training was crucial given current challenges in the country.

She also delivered the closing remark, after which a photo session was held with the newly inaugurated student volunteers.

Speaking in an interview with The Atlantic Bell at the event, 10-year-old primary five pupil, Precious Ote said she volunteered to join the Red Cross Society because of her desire to help and care for people.

“I want to help people. I want to care for people,” she said, describing her motivation for joining the humanitarian organisation.

Similarly, 11-year-old Eno Marvellous of Primary Four expressed excitement at becoming a member of the Red Cross Society, noting that her hope is “to save” lives. She added that she joined because she admires the humanitarian work of Red Cross members and wants to be like them.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the inauguration highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Red Cross Society to nurture a culture of volunteerism, compassion and humanitarian service among schoolchildren in Port Harcourt and beyond.

By: Boma Divine Ogolo

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), urging it to investigate alleged abuse of office, conflict of interest and due process violations in the amendment of the Electoral Act and the passage of recent tax reform laws.

In a petition dated February 7, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, SERAP accused some members of the Senate of allegedly removing provisions on the electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act amendment Bill during plenary, despite an earlier majority vote in favour of retaining the provisions and without any debate on their removal.

The organisation also called on the Bureau to probe alleged alterations to the Tax Reform Bills, which it said resulted in discrepancies between the harmonised versions passed by the National Assembly and the copies signed into law and subsequently gazetted by the Federal Government.

Signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the petition said the allegations raised “issues of conflict of interest, abuse of office, non-disclosure of interests, lack of due process, and erosion of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the exercise of legislative power.”

SERAP said its petition was filed pursuant to relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers contained in the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as sections of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

“Where lawmaking is shaped by abuse of office and conflict of interest, it ceases to be a legitimate exercise of constitutional and fiduciary responsibility and becomes a legal and ethical infraction,” the organisation stated.

According to SERAP, the processes leading to the passage of the Electoral Act amendment Bill and the signing into law of the tax reform measures were allegedly marked by alterations to bill provisions without debate or due process, as well as changes to the tax bills without the approval of the National Assembly. It further alleged that some amendments may have been removed or introduced to serve private or political interests rather than the public good.

The group stressed that members of the National Assembly and officers of the executive branch are public officers bound by the constitutional Code of Conduct, which prohibits placing personal interests above official duties and mandates integrity and transparency in public life.
SERAP cited constitutional provisions empowering the CCB to receive and investigate complaints of breaches of the Code of Conduct and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

It urged the Bureau to register the petition as a formal complaint and to promptly investigate the conduct of the lawmakers and executive officials involved, examine whether inducements or benefits were offered or received, and determine whether the alleged actions amounted to abuse of legislative power and conflict of interest.

SERAP also asked the Bureau to refer any substantiated violations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal and to take steps to uphold the principle that public office is a public trust.

The organisation warned that it would consider legal action to compel compliance if the Bureau failed to act within seven days.

The petition follows claims by lawmakers, including Sokoto lawmaker Abdussamad Dasuki, who raised concerns over alleged discrepancies between tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions gazetted by the Federal Government, describing the reported alterations as unlawful and questioning the legality of the law-making process.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has disclosed that it delisted more than 400,000 inactive and non-compliant companies from Nigeria’s official register in 2025, as part of a sweeping exercise to sanitise its database and strengthen corporate governance.
Registrar-General of the commission, Hussaini Magaji, made the disclosure on Saturday in Abuja during a “Celebration Walk” organised by the CAC.

Magaji said the mass deregistration was driven by the need to protect the integrity of the national companies register, noting that many of the affected entities had failed to meet statutory obligations or had remained inactive for years.

“In 2025 alone, the commission de-registered over 400,000 companies,” he said, explaining that the exercise was aimed at removing entities that no longer complied with regulatory requirements or existed only on paper.

He stressed that the clean-up was necessary to ensure that the register accurately reflects companies that are actively operating and meeting their legal responsibilities, adding that a bloated and outdated register undermines transparency and effective regulation.

The registrar-general also highlighted the commission’s transition from a manual, location-based registry to a fully digital, end-to-end service platform, which now allows Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to access CAC services remotely.

“Today, CAC provides services anywhere, anytime and 24 hours a day. You can register your business from your room without coming to our offices,” Magaji said.

According to him, the digital reforms have improved the ease of doing business and boosted confidence in Nigeria’s business environment by reducing human contact, delays and opportunities for abuse.

Magaji said the commission’s efforts at promoting compliance were complemented by targeted support for small businesses. He disclosed that, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the CAC facilitated free business registrations for 250,000 entrepreneurs to lower the cost of formalisation and encourage participation in the regulated economy.

He also revealed that the commission has operationalised a beneficial ownership register, which allows the public to identify the ultimate owners of companies operating in Nigeria, as part of measures to promote transparency and accountability.

According to Magaji, the register has since gained international recognition as a reference point for corporate transparency and Nigeria’s efforts to combat financial crimes.

He reiterated that the commission would continue to enforce compliance, warning that companies that fail to meet their statutory obligations risk being removed from the register.

For decades, Nigeria’s sporting brilliance has survived in spite of the system, not because of it.

From underprepared teams arriving late for competitions to athletes funding their own training, the story of Nigerian sports has too often been one of raw talent colliding with poor planning, delayed funding and crumbling infrastructure.

Medals were won, yes—but usually through individual sacrifice rather than institutional support.

That long-standing reality is what President Bola Tinubu says must now change.

Nigeria has never lacked sporting potential. From packed grassroots pitches to global stars in athletics, football and basketball, the country’s human capital has always been evident. What has been missing, according to President Tinubu, is a funding system that matches that potential.

In a statement released on Friday via his verified X handle, @officialABAT, the President acknowledged that Nigeria’s sports development has been persistently undermined by bureaucratic delays, fragmented funding channels and inadequate investment in facilities that meet international standards.

“For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” Tinubu said.

The consequences of this dysfunction have been visible for years: training camps rushed or cancelled, international tournaments approached with little preparation, and federations trapped in a cycle of debt and emergency funding.

Infrastructure suffered as well, leaving many athletes to train on substandard tracks, courts and pitches while competing against rivals backed by modern facilities and consistent investment.

Determined to break that pattern, the President has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sports funding framework, set to take effect from the 2026 fiscal year.
Tinubu directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, alongside the Budget Office of the Federation, to reset how sports are funded—ensuring adequate and predictable budgetary provisions every year for infrastructure, programmes, athlete development and participation in international competitions.

Crucially, he ordered that funds allocated to sports must be released immediately after the national budget is passed and assented to, ending the uncertainty that has long plagued athletes and administrators alike.
“Nigerian athletes deserve certainty and timely support,” he stressed.

Ending fragmentation, strengthening focus
Another major flaw of the old system was the scattering of sports-related allocations across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. According to the President, this fragmentation weakened oversight and diluted impact.

Under the new reforms, these allocations will be reviewed and streamlined, with savings redirected into a unified funding framework under the National Sports Commission (NSC). The goal is to strengthen domestic programmes, improve international participation and ensure funds are used more strategically.

The reforms are anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE)—a policy framework designed to reposition sports as more than recreation, but as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment and global influence.

From survival to strategy
Tinubu said his administration plans to build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, deeper grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations and the hosting of major international events.

“Sports is our national asset and must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature, devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he said.

The President pointed to recent successes as evidence of what is possible when talent is supported with structure.

Nigerian athletes, he disclosed, won a record 373 medals across all sports in 2025, excelling in athletics, football, basketball and other disciplines.

He praised the National Sports Commission for progress recorded despite existing challenges and commended its leadership under Chairman Shehu Dikko for driving reforms aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

For athletes who have trained through neglect and administrators who have managed scarcity for years, the proposed funding overhaul represents more than policy—it offers a chance to finally replace improvisation with planning.

If implemented as promised, Nigeria’s sports sector may finally move from a culture of last-minute survival to one of long-term strategy—where medals are no longer miracles, but the expected outcome of proper investment.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has restated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the Niger Delta, describing peace and stability as the foundation for sustainable development in the region.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the NDDC’s collaboration with security agencies is driven by the understanding that development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity, just as underdevelopment often fuels conflict and unrest.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had deliberately built strong partnerships with security institutions to protect critical national assets and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

According to him, the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure peace and security across the country, stressing that the relative calm currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta is the result of sustained security interventions.
Ogbuku explained that security is a collective responsibility involving host communities, government and development institutions, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic support to the Nigerian Navy and other agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, maintain open channels of communication and undertake field visits to better understand the operational challenges faced by security agencies.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible development projects across the Niger Delta, noting that the Commission’s interventions had positively impacted communities and security formations in the region.

He said the Navy’s efforts to safeguard oil exploration, production and transportation, including the recently launched Operation Sentinel, would require sustained collaboration, particularly as Nigeria targets increased crude oil production in the coming years.

The Naval Commander urged the NDDC to sustain and expand its support, noting that improved security would translate into higher oil output, increased revenue and accelerated development for the Niger Delta and the country at large.

Major opposition political parties have strongly condemned the Senate’s decision to reject mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units, warning that the move poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic progress.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) described the Senate’s action as retrogressive, anti-people and capable of setting the country’s democracy back by decades.

The parties reacted to the passage of an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 by the Senate, which, among other provisions, declined to make electronic transmission of results compulsory at polling units.

According to the opposition parties, the decision has rightly attracted widespread condemnation from Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious divides, as it undermines transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

They expressed surprise that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which controls the Senate, would oppose the use of technology in elections while simultaneously deploying digital tools to conduct nationwide electronic registration of its members.

“We are at a loss as to why a party that freely deploys technology to organise its internal affairs would be averse to using the same technology to transmit election results,” the statement said.

The parties alleged that the rejection of electronic transmission was a calculated attempt by the APC to preserve loopholes for manipulating elections, noting that the ruling party is aware of growing public discontent and the electoral rejection it faces in future polls.

“They know Nigerians are fed up with them. A free and fair election has therefore become a threat, hence the desperation to protect any gaps that could be exploited to their advantage,” the statement added.

The opposition leaders also accused senators of failing to rise above partisan interests in defence of democracy, describing the legislature as the most important symbol of democratic governance.

“Regardless of party affiliation, we expected senators to act as patriots and statesmen. Once again, they have failed the people they were elected to represent,” they said.
The statement recalled that during post-election litigations arising from the last general election, courts — including the Supreme Court — repeatedly held that electronic transmission of results was not mandatory under the Electoral Act 2022, exposing a critical legislative gap that required urgent correction.

Beyond addressing judicial concerns, the parties argued that mandatory electronic transmission would significantly enhance transparency, restore public trust and deepen democratic consolidation.

“With this rejection, the Senate has effectively returned Nigeria to square one,” the statement noted.
The opposition parties urged members of the conference committee harmonising the Electoral Act amendment to adopt the position of the House of Representatives, which supports mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results.
They appealed to lawmakers to act in the national interest, warning against prioritising short-term political calculations over the future of democracy.

“The ball is now in the court of the conference committee. We urge its members to act as statesmen, not politicians fixated on the next election, and to forestall the dangers of imposing anti-democratic laws on Nigerians,” the statement said.

The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP; Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC; and Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, and dated February 5, 2026.