NEWS
Bayelsa Partners NGO on Child-Health Safety
From Tayese Mike, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa state government has expressed commitment towards stronger partnership with an NGO,the stakeholders alliance for corporate accountability, (SACA).
The government stated this on Thursday at the inauguration ceremony of a project tagged: ‘The child-driven safeguarding project at at school level’ which was carried out by SACA in conjunction with the state’s Ministries of Education, Health and Environment as well as the catholic education board and the national association of proprietors of private schools(NAPPS),in Yenagoa,the state capital.
In a goodwill messages delivered by the trio of the state commissioners of Education, Dr.
Gentle Emelah, his Environment and Health counterparts, Hon. Iselema Gbaranbiri and Dr Pabara Igwele, represented by Dr Wisdom Sawyer, Permanent secretary Health, Mr Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, Permanent secretary Environment and Mr Ere Wakedei, Director, Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, respectively, the government stated that it was ready to foster a stronger partnership with the NGO to safeguard the lives of both born and yet to be birthed children, across the state from oil related pollutions.The state government commended SACA for taking the awareness and advocacy campaign for an hydrocarbon pollution-free society to schools in the state, saying that the awareness created would immensely address the problems of environmental hazards associated with exploitation and exploration of oil across the state.
Speaking on the rational behind the ceremony, Executive Director, SACA,Mr Kingsley Ozegbe decried the spate of oil pollution in the state, advising that all stakeholders must synergies towards a possible ending of the dangers occasioned by spills.
He hinted that the NGO was resolved to ending oil related environmental hazards in the Niger Delta region,just as he said research the NGO conducted through its partnering organizations show that no fewer than 16,000 children had died due to living in environments not more than 20km distance from sites of oil spills.
“Our children born and yet unborn are exposed to dangers of oil spills,our findings showed that about 16,000 children have died due to living in a distance not more than 20km from sites of oil spills across the Niger Delta.
“So we wanted to bring this awareness to our children in both public and private schools across the state the the inauguration of the Child-Driven safeguarding project at the school level in the state”, he added.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the SACA project management committee(PMC) who also doubles as the chairperson, national association of proprietors of private schools(NAPPS),Bayelsa state chapter, Dr (Mrs) Christiana McDonald have said proprietors of schools in the state have demonstrated their willingness to continue partnering SACA in the fight against oil spills and other hydrocarbon related environmental hazards.
She restated that though her committee was recently inaugurated, the inauguration of the child- Driven safeguarding project at the school level was capable of fast tracking the advocacy by SACA, just as she commended the state government for showing commitment in the project.
Part of the fall out of the inauguration ceremony was the directive by the Bayelsa state government to schools in the state to form a 20-member child safeguarding club in all the ‘child-driven safeguarding ‘pilot schools across the state on or before 9th,July,202,while SACA would assist the pilot schools to develop child safeguarding policy, amongst others.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has extended his heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, following his passing away.In a condolence message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere, the Governor described Gen.
Lagbaja’s death as a tremendous loss not only to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces but also to the people of Plateau State, where he was a steadfast advocate for peace and security. He said the late Plateau will not in a hurry forget about the relentless efforts of the late Chief of Army Staff in fostering an environment where citizens could carry out their daily lives in safety and harmony.Mutfwang noted that Gen. Lagbaja was a man of exceptional intellect, integrity, and compassion, who distinguished himself throughout his military career.He stressed that Gen. Lagbaja’s commitment to national and international assignments in pursuit of peace and stability left an indelible legacy, adding that this underscored the depth of his service to the nation.I’m his words, “Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of justice, fairness, and his steadfast dedication to the peace and security of Nigeria should serve as an enduring inspiration to all, particularly the young officers in the Nigerian Army.”He highlighted Gen. Lagbaja’s unflagging dedication to restoring peace across the country with particular efforts in Plateau State, where he played a crucial role during the December 2023 Christmas Eve tragedy in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.Governor stated this, “It is with profound sorrow and deep sympathy that I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the family of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.”While words cannot ease the pain of such a monumental loss, I pray that the Almighty God, the God of all comfort, will surround you all with His grace and peace during this difficult time. May the Lord grant you the fortitude to bear this loss with strength and courage.” He prayed for the department Chief OfficerMutfwang reiterated that on behalf of his family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State offered their deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the bereaved family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished officer. While praying for God’s comfort and strength to uphold them through the period of profound grief.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Worried by the incessant boat mishaps that has claimed several lives over the years, Niger state government has presented five metal fifty-seater boats to riverine communities in the stateThe Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo disclosed this through his social media handles after the presentation in Wuya community of Gbako local government area of Niger state.
Ebbo stated that the Niger State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) delivered the boats as part of Governor Umaru Bago’s initiative to ensure safer inland water transportation, support agricultural activities, and enhance the safety of residents. The Special Adviser Digital Media noted that the General Manager of CSDA, Aisha Abdulkadir further explained that the communities requested this intervention due to the dangers posed by the wooden boats previously used, which were prone to damage and not durable on water.According to Ebbo, during the handover of the operational code to local government chairmen, Commissioner for Transport Hadiza Kuta highlighted the importance of enforcing water travel regulations and warned that violators would face prosecution.Some of the benefiting community representatives in their separate remarks, appreciated governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s foresight aimed at curbing future boat mishap in the state.It could be recalled that recently over one hundred people from the state died in a dastardly boat mishap at Gbajibo community in Mokwa local government area of Niger state necessitating the government intervention and pro-activeness to prevent further recurrence.Similar intervention has been provided by N HYPPADEC which had also recently distributed fibre glass boats to some revine communities within its operating States.
From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
In a major healthcare boost for Nasarawa State, TotalEnergies in partnership with other stakeholders has donated a cutting-edge mammography machine to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital (FUTH) to support early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The new equipment was unveiled yesterday at the Cancer Centre of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, in a ceremony led by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe representing the governor, Abdullahi Sule.During the inauguration, Dr. Akabe praised TotalEnergies for its commitment to public health, calling the donation a crucial step in combating breast cancer. “This facility is one of the latest advancements in cancer treatment technology and will enable us to provide timely diagnosis and care, reducing breast cancer fatalities,” Akabe said, referencing the Global Cancer Observatory’s 2020 report, which estimated that over 14,000 Nigerian women die from breast cancer annually.The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, also welcomed TotalEnergies and its partners for bringing the project to FUTH Lafia. “We are grateful that Nasarawa was chosen for this life-saving initiative,” Dr. Gwamna remarked. “Locating this facility here will ensure that our people have access to top-notch diagnostic care without needing to travel out of state.”His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, the Emir of Lafia, expressed his gratitude to TotalEnergies and the state government for their support. “This project exemplifies our governor’s vision for an environment where essential healthcare advancements can thrive,” he said.“It brings hope to our people and stands as a symbol of our commitment to safeguarding the health of our communities.”Representing the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Matthieu Bouyer, the Acting General Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs. Tonye Osifo, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in Nigeria through corporate social responsibility.“This mammography centre will provide affordable, accessible early diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives,” Osifo stated. “Since 2019, we have worked with our partners to set up similar centres across the country, reinforcing our dedication to supporting communities and fighting breast cancer.”Chief Medical Director of FUTH Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan described the donation as transformative for the hospital. “With this equipment, the burden of breast cancer in Nasarawa can be significantly reduced,” he said. “This donation will save our patients from the physical and financial strain of seeking treatment outside the state.”Local residents and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the new facility will lead to better healthcare access and improved cancer care in Nasarawa State.
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