My dear people of Rivers State, when I made my maiden broadcast for the year 2012, our country was in the throes of taking back control of our future and indeed our very lives. Although there had been announcements of government’s intention in what may seem to many the vexatious matter of petrol subsidy removal, the issue at the time, still seemed unclear and opaque to our citizenry.

As a government that received its mandate, by the grace of God and with the support of the Rivers people, we appreciate the immense need to have our people at the centre of governance.  This is why we remain committed to our pledge to ensure that we use our God given resources for the betterment and benefit of our people.

Let me reassure you that this government is not oblivious to the challenges you face on a daily basis. It is no longer news that the global economy has taken a beating since 2009. On the local front, our people have been forced to grapple with the problems of absence of basic social amenities, poor infrastructure, unemployment, poverty, food and physical insecurity. Undoubtedly all our social indicators have been at abysmal levels, and no responsible government should allow its people suffer these debilitating conditions without any remedies.

Indication that response to medical emergencies in the riverine communities is being given attention has emerged.

This followed the receipt of 15 Mobil Marine Ambulances to cater for medical emergencies and strengthen referrals in the riverine areas of the State by the Rivers State Government.

Speaking at the weekend during the handing over ceremony at the Government House Jetty, in Marine Base, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Health Commissioner, Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Parker said, Rivers State Government in partnership with the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Millennium Developmental Goal Office (MDG) brought in the ambulances to reduce the disease burden of the coastal communities.

The arrival of the marine ambulance according to Dr Parker would greatly reduce maternal and infant mortality and strengthen referrals.

The Committee Chairman on maternal, newborn and child health week (MNCHW) in Obio Akpor Local Government Area, Rev. Bright C.M. Okocha has advised the members to monitor the exercise which will begin from December 12 to 17,  2011.

Rev Okocha who gave the advice at Rumuodomaya said, the exercise will be  at the health centres and designated out reach posts in the various communities.

He urged all mothers/care givers to carry their children to the nearest health centre/health post so as to benefit from the exercise.

Rivers State House of Assembly has received a bill seeking to improve the welfare of handicapped persons in the State.

The bill titled “Handicapped persons welfare enhancement bill, 2011” was sponsored by Hon. Victoria Wobo Nyeche, member representing Port Harcourt Constituency 1.

Hon. Nyeche, while presenting the bill stated that the objective   is to expunge all forms of discrimination against disabled persons in the State.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has called on all stakeholders to make critical and strategic inputs that would ensure the successful implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt City Master Plan.

Governor Amaechi made the call while declaring open a Two-day Planning Workshop on the Legislative and Administrative Framework for Planning and Development Control in the Greater Port Harcourt City Area organized by the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi expressed optimism that the GPHCDA, the State Ministry of Urban Development and the Local Government Councils would form a synergy for effective implementation of the Master Plan.