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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

Enugu upgrades seven hospitals

• From left: Manager International Collaboration Unit, Health Canada, Mr Greg Monsour; National Agency for Food,Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)Director,Registration and Regulation,Dr Monica Eimunjeze;Director for Vaccine Evaluation,Health Canada,Dr Lindsay Elmgren and NAFDAC Director-General, Dr Paul Orhil during the opening ceremony of Health Canada -NAFDAC Mentorship Launch Meeting in Lagos PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

35 youths get skills training

O fewer than 35 youths in Bori, Rivers State, are to benefit from skill acquisition programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty in the area, Sen. Magnus Abe, said in Bori. Abe, who represents Rivers East, said the youths would be trained in manufacturing, welding, fabrication, carpentry, refrigerators and air conditioners repairs as well as joinery. Other skills are technical drawing, tender estimation, quantity survey, bricklaying, control and measurement, he said. Abe said he initiated the programme to help boost the socio-economic well being of

Rivers the people. He said the programme would equip the beneficiaries with requisite knowledge that would enable them develop business ideas and become useful to themselves and their families. According to him, more youths from the district will be recruited for training after the graduation of the present set. Abe praised the Rivers State Polytechnic and the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency for their partnership toward empowering youths from the area.

NGO empowers women

HERE is urgent need for government and public-spirited individuals to address issues relating to women and children in the country. This was the concern expressed by Mr Adeyinka Odukoya at the launch of Hand of God Support Organisation,a non-governmental organisation.He is the president of the group. According to Odukoya, if women and children are empowered there will be less economic burden in each family and the society at large, adding that as a pilot scheme, the NGO is concentrating on how to create enterprising vocation for the less privileged especially women. To make good his words, about 12 women were empowered with cash donations on the occasion while a good number of public school students were given free school uniforms and writing materials. The icing on the cake was the presentation of a two 14-seater urvan buses as free school ride for pupils from Alagbado axis, a densely populated area in Lagos State. “Our main focus is not only women and children but the less-privileged in the society. We are primarily out to touch and change lives. We also aim to assist in areas of devel-

•Mr Odukoya giving cheque to a beneficiary

opment such as migration, education, skill acquisition, loan, counseling, accommodation and job placements, free education for the youth, among others. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe world free from injustice against women and children across the globe. Yes we are also out to fight against child abuse, domestic abuse in women and rape. “The financial assistance we gave out today are in categories, based on the vocations the women had undergone. At least each beneficiary had passed through a 90-day intensive vocation training of their choice. Six women are empowered on water treatment profession. They are now water technologists that can empower any other person. Don’t forget that a person success only become real when it has incorporated the value he/she has to others. He said the donation of the two buses was informed by the rigours students in the area have to pass through while crossing the busy Lagos-Abeokuta Express Road. He said: “ So we source for fund to get the two buses that are being used for free school ride for the pupils. We are happy doing it because it is a welcome initiative to school staff and parents of the pupils”.

HE Enugu State government has approved N1 billion for the renovation and upgrading of seven district hospitals in the state. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, announced this while briefing newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday at the end of the state’s Executive Council meeting. Ugwoke listed the hospitals as Udi (Udi LGA); Awgu (Awgu LGA); Enugu-Ezike; Ikem (Isiuzo); Nsukka (Nsukka LGA), Poly-Clinic (Enugu North LGA) and Agbani (Nkanu West LGA) district hospitals. The commissioner said that the renovation and upgrading had become vital for effective, efficient and quality healthcare delivery in the state. Ugwuoke explained that the scope of the exercise would begin with the construction of new hospital complexes, laboratories, mortuaries and gatehouses. Others include the sinking of boreholes and the construction of quarters and fences at the seven hospitals. The commissioner said the move was geared toward providing affordable medical care for its citizens.

‘Perm Secs ’re bedrock of development’

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has described permanent secretaries in his administration as the bedrock of his “Uncommon Transformation” programme. Akpabio stated this during a reception held at Sheer Grace Arena, Uyo after 20 years of marriage between Elder Etekamba Umoren, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Uyo and his wife, Glory, Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Ministry of Justice, Uyo. The governor, who lauded the permanent secretaries for their co-operation and support to his administration in making uncommon transformation in the state to work, noted that the state has a high quality of staff who help to make the wheel of government work. He described Etekamba Umoren as an efficient, humble and dependable ally, thanking him for his devotion to duty and assistance he has been rendering to make his work easier. Akpabio acknowledged the useful contributions the wife who was trained by Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, had been making to the Akwa Ibom govern-

Enugu Ugwuoke said the council also approved the procurement and installation of 4,606-metre length of stainless designed fence with reflectors and 3207 pieces of Korean made reflecting safety guide posts. The commissioner said the procurements were for some selected roads within Enugu metropolis. “The essence of this is to enhance traffic safety of our road users as well as enhance urban beautification and renewal at the total sum of N306 million.” Ugwoke said the executive council also gave approval for the construction of Ebonyi River bridge at the cost of N309 million. He said the bridge would replace the old, dilapidated bridge along Ugwuofo-Neke-Ikem road in Isiuzo Local Government Area of the state. He said the 45-metre long standard concrete bridge to be constructed in the area had been awarded to a reputable construction company.

Akwa Ibom ment, commending her for understanding the challenges the husband is saddled with in government. The State Executive Officer, who was accompanied by his wife, Ekaette, Secretary to the State Government, Umana Okon Umana and Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien, among others, congratulated the couple on their marriage anniversary, and thanked God for helping them to reach the zenith of their profession. The governor enjoined the couple to love and worship God in all their dealings, thanking God for prospering and keeping them as husband and wife for 20 years, saying “Sometimes, God does not prosper some people in life knowing that they would not remember Him in life”. Replying, Elder Umoren said they marked 20 years in marriage on April 3 this year and thanked the governor for supporting him and his wife for her love and understanding.

•Governor Chime

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said that a relief market would be built in Owerri to accommodate traders who had no shops at the Eke-Ukwu Market. Okorocha, who made the announcement when he paid an unscheduled visit to EkeUkwu and New Market in Owerri, promised to construct all roads in the markets. The governor also promised the traders that government would provide electricity, bore holes and street lights in the markets to boost their businesses. He said that with the construction of the relief market, street trading would be abolished in Owerri, since traders without shops in other markets would now be accommodated. Okorocha also told traders at the new market that government would re-roof the market before the rains set in. The governor admitted that street trading was a big problem in the state capital. He promised to supervise the election of the Owerri Market Traders’ Association,

HE Delta State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Antonia Ashiedu , said a total of 111,312 persons benefited from the state’s micro-credit scheme between 2007 and February this year. Out of the number, according to her, 67,861 were women while men were 43,451. Ashiedu, who spoke in an interview with journalists in Asaba, said the beneficiaries of the scheme were involved in cottage industries, trading, agricultural production, service industries, among other enterprises. She said the programme had helped to promote peace and security, human capital development and the government’s infrastructural development agenda. “Uvwie Local Government Area was once known for youth restiveness and volatility but through the micro-credit scheme, many youths are now engaged in income generating activities. “Now, Uvwie is the benchmark for agriculture in the state. Currently, there are more than 3,500 fish farmers and more than 8,600 fish ponds in the state as a result of the scheme,’’ she said. The commissioner said the scheme, which was established in December 2007, was designed to address poverty in the rural communities. She said the programme had also facilitated access of economically weak and disadvantaged segments of the population in the state to productive activities which had made some rural economies commercially active.

Council, bank partner on climate change

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) has struck a partnership with Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to establish a culture of sustainable environment within the council area. The agreement, which is for a two-year period, will see FCMB supporting climate change initiatives of the council as it collaborates to remedy the depreciation of the environment from all forms of gas usage. To kick start effort aimed at promoting sustainable environment, a Climate Change Unit and Special Green Brigade were inaugurated on Monday, April 8 at the council secretariat along Osolo Way, Isolo. Already, the council in conjunction with FCMB, has recruited 25 special green brigade personnel who will be trained to monitor waste collection and disposal as well as ensuring there are greens where they should be. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Hon. Shamsudeen Abiodun Olaleye, expressed delight over the collaborative effort, stressing that FCMB has really lived up to its billing as a responsible corporate citizen that is mindful of the effect of climate change on the environment as well as the well-being of the people. “Climate change is a global problem and

we are glad that FCMB has offered a helping hand in our quest at ensuring a sustainable environment in Isolo. They are indeed a responsible corporate citizen who really mean well for the people of Isolo,” says the council chief Olaleye explained that the inauguration of the Climate Change Unit and Special Green Brigade would facilitate the LCDA’s alignment with the global green movement. He added that the unit will be working towards emission reduction, with the initial priority on waste management and sanitation. The Special Green Brigade will also ensure that members of the public are adequately sensitised on environmental sanitation and waste management. Also speaking, the bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Olufemi Bakre, said “the immediate and further dangers posed by climate change are the basis upon which we are proud to partner with Isolo LCDA towards the realisation of the laudable objectives of establishing a Climate Change Unit and inaugurating a Special Green Brigade”. He further stated that the project would go a long way to adequately enlighten and educate the public on environmental and waste management issues so as to combat these problems.

Imo scheduled for next month. He said the two markets had been granted community status and that a liaison officer would be appointed to liaise between them. On waste management in the markets, he directed the traders to buy cellophane bags for the collection and disposal of wastes generated on daily basis. The governor said that a football competition would be organised for markets in the state , adding that a new bus and two million naira had been set aside for winners of the trophy.

111,312 benefit from Delta micro-credit scheme Delta She said that the scheme had given hope to many households and turned around the lives of the “rural and urban poor” in the state.

HE Iken-Ogbo Ijebu community and some adjoining towns in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, have cried to the state government for help as the only link bridge to the area has collapsed. The bridge gave way under the heavy rains of Monday, July 16, 2012. The community said this has nearly paralysed socio-economic activities in the area as pupils in the area find it difficult to attend classes and farmers and women face uphill task transporting farm produce and wares. Iken-Ogbo-Ijebu is the gateway to such towns as Okelamuren-Ogbo, Ibido-Ogbo, IsanyaOgbo and Ijagun-Ogbo. The chairman, Community Development Association (CDA) of Iken-Ogbo, Comrade Gabriel Adenrele Odulaja with the Alawunren of Okelamuren, Oba Lawrence Oguntayo and Baale of the town, High Chief Olalekan Odunfejo were believed to have

•The collapsed bridge

“The programme targets the rural and urban poor, unemployed people, particularly school leavers, women, physically-challenged persons and people living with HIV,’’ she added.

•From left: Alhaji Owolabi Issa, Adeniji and Hon. Abayomi Daramola at the occasion

‘ Repair our road, bridge ‘

•From left: Hon. Soji Balogun,Mr.Bakre, Hon. Olaleye and ACN chairman, Isolo LCDA, Alh. W.A. Raji, at the event.

Imo to build relief market

By Muyiwa Omobulejo

complained severally to the state commissioner of works. Also, the only transformer in the town has stopped working, throwing the area into darkness. The road from Iken-Ogbo to Okelamuren-Ogbo and Ibido Ogbo-Ijebu is equallyin bad shape. Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba started the road project which terminates at IsanyaOgbo-Ijebu while in office but nothing has been on it since he left office. “We are therefore appealing to Governor Amosun to use his good office find solution to these problems. The situation has adversely affected businesses and other activities in the community. During governorship election, we voted massively for the government which we believe will deliver dividends of democracy to our community”,the community said.

HE Chairman of Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area Hon. Adewale Adeniji has praised residents of the area for their patience and support, when his election was challenged by the opposition party at the tribunal. He said this during a Thank You and Support Programme at the council’s secretariat. He said: “Today is the beginning of a new era in our lives after scaling through the turbulent court cases. This really challenged our election but at the end of the day, victory came our way. It is not our own making but the court gave us victory. I must tell you that members of the opposition really planned to upturn the elections.” Adeniji remarked that it took about 15 months to resolve the matter at the court; however, his administration was undaunted as it had to fulfil his campaign promises. “It was within that period of time that we were able to put this new edifice in place, which had become our new secretariat. We were able to embark on some road projects.” He stressed that the vigilance and support of the people gave ACN the victory otherwise members of the opposition party had planned to truncate the laudable efforts of the administration. The council chairman stated that now that the litigation was over, government would settle down to address those issues that were pertinent to the development of area and urged the people to support the party. “Most importantly the bottom line was that the game was not played according to the rule. So, we on our own side cried foul, so we had to move ahead and at the end of the day we had victory. We thank God, if the lower court had upheld the fact that ACN won the councillorship in almost all the wards why would it give the chairmanship the other way when there were ample evidence that we won.” He maintained that administration was on course of delivering its promises but was help

•Governor Okorocha

Briefly

Orji identifies health sector challenges GOVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has said that the basic problem plaguing the nation’s health sector is disharmony among the various categories of workers in the health institutions. Orji made the assertion in a keynote address at the 2013 health week organised by the state branch of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria in Umuahia. The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Okechukwu Ogah, urged the workers to recoup the huge investment made in the sector by the government. He said the state government had invested much in equipping the hospitals. “Everybody must not depend on the federal allocation as the only source of revenue to pay the workers. “We have installed dialysis machines at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba. “We also have dialysis machines at Abia State Specialist Hospital, Umuahia and these can help to generate revenue,’’ he said.

Thank you, council chief tells residents By Musa Odoshimokhe

pull down. “We may not have surpassed their expectation but we would appeal to them to keep faith with us and we would not disappoint them in the execution of programmes. Though we have lots of challenges on ground , we would do everything with our powers to fulfil our own side of the bargain.” He stated that even when it was obvious that they won and the lower courts decided otherwise they kept faith. “We have to play it low because it is not in our character to engage in media war. However, we thank the Almighty God who gave us victory at the end of the day,” Adeniji said.

Church holds programme THE Redeemed Christian Church of God Miracle Centre, will hold a day Jacob service on April 24. The theme of the service is: Antidote to Defeat and venue, 19, Bello Folawiyo Crescent, by Mr Biggs along Ikosi Road, Ketu, Lagos. The programme holds from 6pm to 9pm. The host minister, Pastor Abiodun A. Doherty has assured those that will attend victory over satamic attacks, healing and total deliverance. “It will equally be a time for testimonies,” he said. Ministering is the Regional Evangelist, Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye, among others.