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UNICEF Donates Ambulance Boats To Boosts Riverine Healthcare In Bayelsa State

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By Gloria Ikibah

 

United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF has handed over six ambulance boats to the Bayelsa State Government to improve healthcare and emergency response services in riverine communities living in far flung areas.

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The ambulance boats, funded by Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), are equipped with medical amenities, and staffed with healthcare personnel trained to provide swift and effective emergency medical assistance, transport patients including pregnant women in labour and newborns to medical facilities and facilitate immunization outreach programmes.

 

With nearly 100 out of every 1000 children not surviving to see their fifth birthday, infant mortality at 70 per 1000 births, 32 per cent of pregnant women not receiving antenatal care and only about 40 per cent babies delivered in health facilities in Bayelsa State, the ambulance boats are timely to improve survival rates for women and children.

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According to UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, “The provision of these ambulance boats represents a critical step towards ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to lifesaving healthcare services.

 

Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended UNICEF for the ambulance boats and said it will be used for essential medical intervention.

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He said: “These boats will not only serve as a means of transportation for patients but also function as platforms for delivering essential healthcare interventions, such as immunizations, antenatal care, and health education, directly to those in need.

 

“We are deeply grateful for the donation of these six ambulance boats, which bring hope to our riverine communities. This initiative is an important step in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the lives of our mothers, children, and vulnerable populations across Bayelsa. These boats will not only ensure timely medical interventions but also fortify our resolve to provide equitable healthcare services, irrespective of geographical barriers. Together, we are navigating towards a brighter, healthier future for every citizen of Bayelsa State”.

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This initiative builds on the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Health as expressed in the Nigeria Health Renewal Investment Initiative, to make the health system more equitable and efficient, reduce the number of children who have not received any vaccine, and improve immunization coverage.

 

The delivery of the ambulance boats makes up part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 between the Bayelsa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Governors Forum, GAVI, and UNICEF to improve routine immunization and primary healthcare systems and reduce loss of life, particularly among women and children.

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SAD! Angry fan k!lls female influencer during live stream

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Tokyo police are investigating the tragic killing of a 22-year-old female influencer who was fatally stabbed during a live stream on a public street.

The horrifying incident, which unfolded in real time, left viewers in shock as they witnessed the attack before the screen went dark.

According to local media reports on Wednesday, the suspect, a 42-year-old man believed to be a longtime follower of the influencer, was arrested at the scene. Investigators found multiple stab wounds on the victim’s body, including injuries to her head and neck.

Eyewitnesses reported that the influencer was engaging with her audience when she suddenly screamed for help. Moments later, sirens could be heard in the background as emergency responders arrived.

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Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect had been following the influencer’s content for years and may have deliberately tracked her movements based on details she shared about the live-stream. Authorities believe the attack was premeditated.

The suspect reportedly claimed that he had lent the influencer two million yen (approximately $13,450) but had not been repaid. Police are currently verifying his claims as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are urging social media users to exercise caution regarding their online interactions and personal security.

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Security operatives chase away thugs from PDP HQ amid leadership crisis

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Operatives of the Police, Department of State Service, and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, on Wednesday, cleared thugs from the Peoples Democratic Party’s headquarters in Abuja.

A party source, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to fear of victimisation, revealed to The PUNCH on Wednesday that the thugs were reportedly recruited to block members of the National Working Committee from entering the party headquarters for their meetings.

The crisis within the PDP has deeply affected all party organs, with recent developments seeing Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye both claiming the position of PDP National Secretary.

While the Court of Appeal in Enugu upheld Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary, Anyanwu took the matter to the Supreme Court.

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As a result, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on Monday, with the date to be communicated to the parties involved.

“The party staff, with the support of security personnel, confronted the thugs and dispersed them,” the source said.

At the party’s national headquarters, a reporter from The PUNCH noticed a heavy presence of security personnel.

Around six Nigeria Police, DSS, and NSCDC vans were stationed near Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

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The Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is currently leading the NWC meeting, with Ude-Okoye attending as the National Secretary.

Details shortly…

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Authentic Lawmakers Resume Sitting At Rivers Assembly After Shutting Out Governor Fubara From Presenting 2025 Budget

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The Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday resumed plenary amid reports that lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, blocked Governor Siminalayi Fubara from presenting the 2025 budget.

A video seen by an online medium showed the lawmakers already seated inside the chamber while Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other officials carrying the mace made their way into the hall.

The development follows an earlier dramatic standoff at the Assembly complex, where Fubara accused the legislators of locking the gates to prevent him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

SaharaReporters had reported that the governor, who arrived at the Assembly complex early in the morning, expressed frustration over the situation.

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He stated that he had made multiple attempts to reach Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers before his arrival.

“I have made several attempts—by phone calls and through official letters—to reach the speaker and other members. But it is unfortunate that the gate is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today,” Fubara had said.

He added that the budget presentation was crucial for the state’s development, warning that failure to pass the appropriation bill would disrupt governance and slow ongoing projects.

A video of the incident, shared by a Facebook user, Prince Yemi Itodo, showed the Assembly complex under lock and key, with security operatives reportedly ordered to vacate the premises.

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“The implication is that the state will be run without a budget, which will slow development and lead to financial irregularities,” he wrote.

The blockade is the latest escalation in the ongoing political battle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, whose loyalists dominate the Assembly.

The crisis has also drawn the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who recently urged both sides to implement a Supreme Court-backed political agreement aimed at resolving the dispute.

Despite Tinubu’s intervention and Fubara’s call for dialogue, Wednesday’s sitting suggests the battle for control of the Rivers State government is far from over.

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