By Helen Okechukwu, JKNMedia Reporter
GOVERNOR SIMINALAYI Fubara advocated for swift investigations and trials for suspects to avoid unnecessary detention in correctional centers.
He emphasized this during a visit from the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, led by Hon. Chinedu Ogah.
The governor stressed the need for the Police and Judiciary to function effectively to reduce overcrowding in correctional centers.
He urged proper evaluation and reintegration of ex-convicts into society, ensuring they are prepared to contribute positively.
He praised the National Assembly’s focus on correctional center issues and highlighted his administration’s support for the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
The Governor mentioned the Federal Government’s efforts to build new facilities and relocate correctional centers away from city centers.
Hon. Ogah acknowledged the neglect of correctional services and the high number of awaiting trial inmates.
He commended Governor Fubara for reducing crime in Rivers State and solicited state support to complete the construction of new correctional facilities.
…Reinforces Commitment to PHCs
GOVERNOR SIMINALAYI Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing healthcare in Rivers State, especially primary healthcare.
During an unscheduled visit to the Degema Zonal Hospital, he emphasized the importance of the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) programme, which addresses malnutrition in children.
The governor Fubara, joined by Health Commissioner Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, Degema Local Government Chairman Hon. Anthony Soberekon, and Rivers State Hospitals Management Board Chief Medical Director Dr. Bright Ogbonda, also visited the Model Primary Healthcare Centre (MPHC) in Degema.
They met with Matron Florence Kalio and staff to understand their challenges.
He pledged his administration’s support to improve healthcare services, especially in rural areas, ensuring the IMAM programme effectively addresses malnutrition.
Dr. Oreh highlighted the administration’s investment in healthcare and the IMAM programme’s role in supporting malnourished children.
Matron Kalio detailed the centre’s services, including antenatal care, immunization, and nutrition supplementation, commending the governor’s support.
The MPHC provides vital healthcare services to the riverine population, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality rates and manage non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
… Urges Rivers Women to Embrace Agriculture
GOVERNOR SIMINALAYI Fubara encouraged Rivers State residents, particularly women, to engage in agriculture to combat high living costs and ensure food security.
He announced that agriculture will be a priority in the 2025 budget during a visit from the Women in Farming and Agro=Allied Support Network (WIFAASN).
Represented by Dr. George Nweake, the Governor emphasized that only genuine farmers would benefit from government support, excluding “portfolio farmers.”
He urged a return to agriculture, recalling the state’s history of oil palm production and other agricultural products.
The Governor referenced the President’s Renewed Hope Initiative and encouraged residents to embrace the “Every Home a Garden” project to boost food production.
He praised WIFAASN for their resolve to improve food sufficiency and advised them to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Agriculture Commissioner Engr Victor Kii and Women Affairs Commissioner Dr. Roseline Adawari Uranta reiterated the administration’s focus on agriculture.
WIFAASN’s National Coordinator, Mrs. Glory Coker, and State Coordinator, Mrs. Ihuoma Eze, sought government support for mechanized farming to lower food costs.
