By George Mgbeleke
The Rivers State Government will from Monday, August 17, begin the commissioning of 10 major people-oriented projects across the state as part of efforts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to deepen development at the grassroots.

In a statement by Head, Information and Public Relations Unit,
Office of the Secretary to the State Government, The commissioning programme, which will run through August 31, will cover projects across several local government areas, include roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure and other public facilities.

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.

According to Dr Wokoma, the projects are tangible evidence of the Governor’s commitment to transforming communities and addressing the developmental needs of residents across the state.

He disclosed that the commissioning will commence on August 17 with the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, which links communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.

The Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche Local Government Area will be commissioned on August 18, followed by the Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic’s Entrepreneurship Centre/Engineering Faculty Building on August 19.

On August 20, the governor will commission the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Dual Carriage Way in Ikwerre/Emohua/Onelga Local Government Areas, while the Omoku Zonal Hospital, Omoku in ONELGA, will be commissioned on August 21st.

The commissioning programme will resume on August 24 with the Omademe Internal Roads in Ikwerre LGA and attention will shift to Port Harcourt LGA on August 25 for the Commissioning of the New Runway at the Air Force Base, Rumuola.

On August 26, attention will shift to Emuoha LGA for the commissing of the Agba Ndele Road and Bridge while two major health facilities — the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital and New General Hospital, Rumuigbo, both in Obio/Akpor — are scheduled for commissioning on August 27.

The 10-day programme will end on August 28 with the commissioning of the Bonny National Grammar School in Bonny Local Government Area.

Dr. Wokoma said the projects reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that government policies and programmes affect citizens positively.

“These projects scheduled for commissioning are tangible evidence of His Excellency’s unwavering dedication to transform our communities and address the developmental needs of our people,” he said.

He added that the projects underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring that governance produced “meaningful and measurable benefits for every citizen across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.”

The SSG also acknowledged the contributions of government officials, contractors, host communities and other stakeholders to the completion of the projects as he urged Rivers people to participate in the commissioning activities and continue to support the administration in its pursuit of peace and development.

“We invite all Rivers people to join in celebrating these milestones and to continue supporting the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as it advances peace, development, progress, and prosperity,” Dr Wokoma said.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The School of Postgraduate Studies Auditorium, Federal University Otuoke (FUO), was filled to capacity on Friday, July 17, 2026, as students, staff, management, alumni, distinguished academics, medical professionals, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the sterling leadership, academic excellence, and enduring legacy of the immediate past 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, at the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration.

Organised by the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the event underscored the Faculty’s commitment to immortalising a leader whose visionary administration laid a strong foundation for academic growth, institutional excellence, and the development of the Faculty.

The event was chaired by Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), who was ably represented.

The Chairman’s representative commended the University and Faculty for institutionalising an annual lecture in honour of Professor Adias, describing the initiative as a noble tradition that celebrates visionary leadership while promoting intellectual discourse.

He noted that Professor Adias’ remarkable contributions to higher education and human capital development have earned him a permanent place in the history of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta and the nation at large.

The highlight of the occasion was a thought-provoking public lecture delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Dr James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on the theme:

“Beyond the Bench: Medical Laboratory Scientists as Key Players in Nigeria’s Fight Against Preventable Deaths.”

Dr. Omietinmi stressed that Medical Laboratory Scientists are indispensable partners in modern healthcare delivery, emphasizing that accurate laboratory diagnosis remains the bedrock of effective treatment, disease surveillance, and preventive healthcare.

He observed that many avoidable deaths in Nigeria result from delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and the underutilisation of Medical Laboratory Scientists in healthcare policy and decision-making.

According to him:

“strengthening laboratory services, investing in modern diagnostic technologies, continuous professional training, and integrating Medical Laboratory Scientists into national health planning would significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes across the country.”

He challenged governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners to accord laboratory medicine the priority it deserves in achieving universal health coverage.

Host of the event, Professor Eni-yimini Solomon Agoro, who doubles as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, described Professor Teddy Charles Adias as an exceptional administrator, accomplished scholar, and compassionate mentor whose visionary leadership contributed immensely to the establishment and rapid growth of the Faculty.

Prof. Agoro explained that the annual lecture and birthday celebration were conceived not merely to honour the celebrant but to sustain his ideals of excellence, innovation, discipline, and service to humanity.

The Chief Host, and Fourth Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Prof. Promise Mebine, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chris Onyema, lauded his predecessor, Professor Adias for his unwavering support for the Varsity, College and the Faculty during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

He stated that the remarkable achievements recorded by the Faculty today are directly linked to the enabling environment created under Professor Adias’ administration, adding that the annual lecture would continue to inspire future generations of scholars and professionals as the new College of Medical Sciences was named after him to honour his legacies not just in FUO, but in the Medical profession at large.

The atmosphere became even more emotional as Professor Teddy Charles Adias arrived with his wife, Dame Lolo Charles Adias, to a resounding standing ovation from the audience. Visibly overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown by the University community, Dame Lolo Charles Adias was almost lost for words as she witnessed the outpouring of love, heartfelt tributes, and goodwill messages in honour of her husband.

One after another, distinguished guests, senior academics, professional colleagues, former associates, students, and protégés extolled Professor Adias’ virtues, describing him as a transformational leader, bridge-builder, institution builder, and mentor whose legacy continues to inspire excellence across the University community.

They praised his humility, accessibility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to academic development and staff welfare.

In his response, Professor Teddy Charles Adias expressed profound gratitude to the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the Dean, the University management, staff, students, and all guests for the remarkable honour bestowed upon him.

The celebrant described the recognition as deeply humbling and encouraged members of the University community to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, scholarship, and selfless service.

He urged Medical Laboratory Scientists to continue advancing the profession through research, professionalism, and ethical practice for the benefit of society.

The celebration reached its climax with the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of goodwill messages and commemorative gifts, cultural entertainment, musical performances, and a sumptuous reception attended by guests from within and outside the University community.

The successful hosting of the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration further reaffirmed the enduring impact of Professor Adias’ leadership and the determination of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science to preserve his legacy as a symbol of visionary leadership, academic excellence, and service to humanity.

By Our Correspondent

Experts at the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja have called on African countries to reduce dependence on imported animal genetic materials and strengthen farm-based training for youths to unlock opportunities in the livestock sector.

They said the continent must prioritise practical education, financing and technology to make agriculture attractive to young people and drive economic growth.

A member of the Presidential Livestock Implementation Committee, Professor Demo Kalla, said Nigerian youths represent the country’s greatest asset and must be harnessed through productive opportunities in livestock.

“Our youthful population is our greatest asset, but it is, on the other hand, a keg of gunpowder waiting to happen to us if we do not harness their creativity, their talents, and their energies and direct them towards productive means,” he said.

Professor Kalla said the livestock sector offers youth opportunities beyond traditional farming, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, animal tracking, agribusiness, processing, logistics and engineering.

“This conference was designed to bring the youth together to think of animal agriculture not only as a means of livelihood but also as a gold mine that has not been tapped. It is a multi-trillion-dollar economy that is awaiting being unfolded,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of animal-source foods like milk, meat and eggs to Nigeria’s nutritional security.

Another panelist from Ghana, Professor Kawu Domako, said African governments must introduce agriculture at the basic education level and create youth-focused financing schemes with grants and affordable loans.

“We need to create a conducive environment to let agriculture become attractive to young people. It can be a small grant, but as they start and they succeed, we can give them a top-up grant,” he said.

Professor Domako noted that many young farmers rely on personal savings because they lack collateral and access to credit, while the absence of guaranteed markets also exposes them to financial risks.

He added that despite abundant fertile land, Africa still imports basic food commodities and must prioritise food production and support for young agri-entrepreneurs.

The 4-day conference brought together stakeholders across Africa to discuss strategies for transforming animal agriculture into a competitive and youth-driven sector.