NEWS
Ewhrudjakpo Preaches Service to Humanity at Matthew’s Service of Songs

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said the best way for any individual to leave behind worthy legacies is to serve humanity well while alive.
Ewhrudjakpo stated this at a service of songs held in honour of late Pa ThankGod Ayibanua Matthew, father of Rear Admiral Daupere Matthew at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, on Wednesday.
The Deputy Governor on Thursday stressed the need for the living to be mindful of how they live their lives to avoid the wrath of both God and man.
He noted that what was most significant at every service of songs “is the opportunity to reflect on what we are going to be remembered for when we have gone.
”He said everything man pursues on earth outside of Christ is vanity, stressing that it is the good works people do that will earn them a place in heaven.
Ewhrudjakpo, who eulogized the late Pa ThankGod Matthew as a good man who impacted society positively in his lifetime, urged his family and the church to protect and sustain the positive legacies of their departed father and brother.
While conveying his condolences to the family, he emphasized the need for them to thank God that the octogenarian did not only live up to 83 years but actually lived a good life.
His words, “We should live a life in which our presence is felt when we’re present, and our absence is felt when we are absent. We can do this when we add value to the people around us and society generally.
“Today, we are feeling the absence of Papa because of the good life he lived.
So the takeaway is this: Let us pick up the good works of Papa, to enable us to live the same positively impactful life.”
In his exhortation titled, “The Death of the Righteous”, the Pastor in charge of Camp-Ground Group of Districts of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Adewale Akangbe, charged Christians to earnestly desire the death of the righteous to secure their place in eternity in heaven.
Taking his scriptural references from Psalm 116 verse 5, and Numbers chapter 23 verse 10, Pastor Adewale enjoined believers to avoid the error of Balaam who desired the death of the righteous, but lacked the will, courage and determination to fulfill it, and eventually perished with the ungodly.
In his tribute, the chief mourner and first son of the deceased, Rear Admiral Daupere Matthew, described his father as a man of upright bearing, disciplinarian and a devout Christian who reared his children with the fear of the Lord.
Rear Admiral Matthew recalled the encouragement and support his deceased father gave him which enabled him to succeed in both his military career and family life.
He thanked the Deputy Governor, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Air Marshall T.O. Yusuf, the Commander of Operations Delta Safe, Rear Admiral J.U. Okeke, the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Solomon Aguanana and everyone who took time out to attend the service of songs.
The late Pa ThankGod Ayibanua Matthew, who hailed from Diebu Community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, passed on in May this year at the age of 83, and would be laid to rest this weekend at his hometown Diebu.
NEWS
Enugu Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Enugu State Commissioner for Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Ben Osy Okoh, has reiterated its firm commitment to upholding the highest standards in all government-awarded contracts, reinforcing the state’s vision for transformational development.This was disclosed in a statement by the Public relations officer ministry of work and infrastructure Enugu State, Ngozi Ngene on Tuesday.
Okoh In his first meeting with the Ministry’s Management Staff emphasized that quality control remains a non-negotiable priority. According to him “Every contract awarded by the state must be executed strictly according to its specifications. If the contract requires concrete strength of 25 Newton per millimeter square, that is exactly what we expect. There will be no compromise.”He further emphasised the critical need for strict adherence to established standards and international best practices in road construction, warning that pavement thickness must meet approved specifications, and that asphalt must be produced, transported, laid and compacted at the appropriate temperatures in line with global standards. “Anything short of these best practices will not be accepted”.”To ensure rigorous quality assurance, the Ministry is prioritising the upgrade and full resourcing of the Materials Laboratory Department, the technical unit responsible for testing and verifying construction materials. I take personal responsibility for ensuring that our materials lab is fully equipped to deliver accurate and timely quality checks,” he said.The Commissioner expressed strong commitment to the Governor’s transformative agenda, saying that “We are aligned with His Excellency’s dream of transforming Enugu State. The state we knew two years ago will be completely different by the end of this administration. We are committed to making this vision a reality, swiftly and effectively”.He underscored the importance of professionalism, diligence, and collective responsibility. He noted that existing operational challenges are being systematically addressed, with particular attention to enhancing the wellbeing and working environment of field personnel.He further affirmed that those who show commitment and dedication will be recognised and rewarded as the Ministry carries out its responsibilities. He also emphasised the need for strengthened project monitoring and evaluation to ensure strict compliance with approved specifications and timely delivery.”The Ministry will ensure that all contractors engaged on state projects meet their contractual obligations and responsibilities. Our philosophy shall be anchored on quality, transparency, and accountability. Every project must adhere to approved specifications, timelines, and best practices. We are committed to delivering infrastructure that reflects value for money and stands the test of time”.“We are not just constructing roads and bridges,” the Commissioner concluded, “We are setting a new national standard for public works where excellence is absolutely non-negotiable.”In alignment with this vision, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ogugua Emehelu, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and commended his early initiatives. He emphasised the importance of open communication and teamwork within the Ministry, encouraging staff to engage constructively with the new Commissioner and extend their full support. He noted that the success of the Ministry depends on collective effort and shared responsibility.Head of Administration and Supply, Princess Nnaji speaking on behalf of the Ministry, pledged full support to the new Commissioner and appealed for mutual acceptance and cooperation to achieve the desired results.NEWS
Mutfwang Commits to Expanding State Healthcare

From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has disclosed that under his administration, the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) has recorded groundbreaking progress in health insurance coverage grown 93,605 enrollees in May 2023, to enrolment skyrocketed to 208,550 by March 31, 2025 having a 123% increase.
He reiterated his commitment in expanding the state healthcare contributory scheme to include more vulnerable citizens of the state. Mutfwang made this known on Monday during a Media perley with the entire media community.According to him, “Under the Time is now administration, PLASCHEMA has recorded groundbreaking progress in health insurance coverage, ICT transformation, and access to care.”From 93,605 enrollees in May 2023, enrolment skyrocketed to 208,550 by March 31, 2025 a 123% increase. This expansion includes enrollees from the formal sector, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and newly introduced equity programs such as Mutfwang Care for retired civil servants.”He noted that a major overhaul of the Agency’s ICT infrastructure has enhanced transparency, real-time monitoring, and user experience.”The system now supports direct premium payments via Paystack, Mobile and offline enrolments, Real-time dashboards, and Automatic ID card generation for enrollees and dependents. The reforms have strengthened data integrity, enhanced transparency, and decentralized access through new zonal offices in Barkin Ladi, Pankshin, and Shendam,” he stated.The Governor disclosed that the “Mutfwang Care Initiative” has already covered over 9,000 vulnerable citizens, with Governor Mutfwang personally flagging off enrolment.”PLASCHEMA also plans to deploy a full Electronic Medical Records system in Q2 2025, integrated with the National Identity Number (NIN), to revolutionize verification, utilization tracking, and accountability across healthcare tiers,” Mutfwang statedThe Governor further disclosed that the Impact Project: Transforming Maternal and Child Health launched in 2021 towards improving Child and Maternal Health Project (IMPACT) in Plateau State is making tangible strides toward reducing under-five and maternal mortality has made significant progress.”The state is on course to reduce under-five mortality from 132 to 79 per 1,000 live births by 2030 Achievements (2023–2024). Increased antenatal and postnatal attendance, Rise in skilled birth attendant (SBA) deliveries, Improved uptake of IPT3 (malaria prevention during pregnancy).”More children under one year fully immunized, with a notable decline in infant and maternal deaths. Key investments consist of the deployment of 207 motorbikes to boost outreach and referrals.”Installation of solar power systems in all the 207 Basic Health Care Provision Fund Facilities (BHCPF) in 207 Federal wards across the state. Renovation and tiling of delivery rooms for safer childbirth.”Distribution of 207 laptops for digital health reporting. Digitization of all BHCPF facilities for real-time monitoring.Contracts awarded to upgrade 82 PHCs to meet national standards,” Mutfwang noted.NEWS
Commissioner Urges Citizens to Protect Govt Property against Vandalism
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo has urged citizens to protect government property against vandalism.Fanwo stressed the need for citizens to see government property as their own since they were provided to serve their needsHe gave the warning when he led the management team of the Ministry on an on the spot visit to Radio Nigeria Prime FM Lokoja, where hoodlums carted away valuable broadcast equipment at the Radio Station.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ebenezer Adurodija, described the act as barbaric and disheartening, “The incessant vandalism of Broadcasting Stations is disheartening and must be addressed properly,” he stated.He also urged the management at the headquarters to take necessary steps to ensure that the vandalised equipment are replaced as soon as possible.Fanwo called on the federal government and other stakeholders to intensify the security of the Broadcasting Station for the safety of the staff and the property.The Commissioner reiterated Kogi State Government’s efforts in ensuring the security of the broadcast stations, whether federal, state, or private, as they are soft targets for hoodlums and disgruntled elements.”We will do everything possible to ensure the safety of all the broadcasting stations in the state, government or non-government to avert future occurrence”Communities have a big role in protecting government property within their domains. We seek the cooperation of our community leaders to also assist the government in this regard,” he emphasized.In his remarks, the General Manager of the station, Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, appreciated Kingsley Fanwo and the management team of the Ministry of Information and Communications for identifying with them at their grieving moment, describing the action of the hoodlums as unfortunateAlhaji Momohjimoh highlighted that the criminals came prepared as most of the equipment carted away could not be removed with bare hands without tools, noting that they have communicated the incident to the zonal headquarters in Lafia.The General Manager appealed to the state government and security agencies to help media houses with personnel to secure lives and property.He also appealed to the state government for financial assistance to enhance the smooth running of the station as the state is for Kogi State, while 95% of the staff are from the state.Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh urged the community to give necessary support to safeguard the radio station.