From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

In a powerful demonstration of compassion and community service, the Rotary Club of Umuahia has supported the transformation of the life of a young girl born with a rare congenital condition—polydactyly—by funding her corrective surgery.

The presentation of a cheque of N500,000 took place at Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia, where the surgery will be performed.

The beneficiary, Little Miss Daberechi, was born with extra fingers and toes, a medical anomaly that posed both functional and social challenges. Her father, Wisdom, desperate for help, reached out to the Rotary Club of Umuahia for support.

“We were deeply moved by his plea,” said Rotarian Temitope Nnaomah, President of the Rotary Club of Umuahia, during a public address on the initiative.

“Coming together, our club contributed N500,000 to Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia, specifically to support Daberechi’s surgery.”

The donation will not only enable a successful medical procedure but also bring immense relief to the family, lifting a heavy financial burden and restoring hope to their lives.

According to her, the initiative falls under Rotary International’s area of focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment, underlining the club’s commitment to improving health and providing access to essential medical care.

“Access to surgery for congenital conditions like polydactyly remains out of reach for many families in low-income communities. Through this act of service, the Rotary Club of Umuahia has helped prevent prolonged suffering and long-term complications for Daberechi, showcasing how targeted interventions can lead to life-changing results.

Also speaking, a Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Rotarian Grace Okaro, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Umuahia stated, “Through swift community mobilization, internal fundraising, and prioritization of Rotary’s health-related mission, our club was able to act promptly and decisively”. This project exemplifies Rotary’s guiding principle: “Service Above Self.”

Past Presidents of the Club, Rotarians Sylvester Ibeleme and Chinedu Brown, the Club Secretary, Rotarian Ijeoma Irokanulo and other members of the Club were present at the cheque handover ceremony.

From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

In a bid to celebrate ongoing road infrastructure improvements under Governor Alex Otti, the Abia State Tricycles Operators Union (ASTOPU) have rolled out a fuel palliative for its members across key areas of Aba, the commercial hub of the state.The event reinforces Otti’s image as a reform-driven leader, with transport operators positioning themselves as active stakeholders in his development agenda.

The initiative, flagged off by the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, recognizes the role of commercial transport operators in driving economic development. The event witnessed the free distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to tricycle riders at designated filling stations including Tonimas (Aba-Owerri Road), New Filling Station (Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway), and Conoil (Asa Road), among others.At the launch, Dr. Ukaegbu described transportation as the backbone of development, emphasizing that operators are “partners in progress.” He called for greater tax compliance among riders and assured them that the government would safeguard their interests.“No one will exploit you. Your issues will be listened to and addressed,” Ukaegbu said, urging continuous adherence to traffic regulations.Also addressing the gathering, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, highlighted the strategic role of transport in development. “Supporting ASTOPU is a step towards sustaining a structured and inclusive transport sector,” he said.ASTOPU Chairman, Victor Azubuike, said the fuel gesture was a celebration of the Governor’s achievements, particularly in road rehabilitation, which has improved tricycle operations in the city.“Before now, our tricycles were constantly in need of repairs due to bad roads. But today, we enjoy smoother rides. Our business has become more efficient,” Azubuike stated.The union also acknowledged improvements in drainage and water control, which they say have reduced flooding and damage to roads.Beneficiaries of the initiative, including Kingsley Nwachukwu and Akachi Orji, expressed gratitude for the support. “This is a huge relief at a time fuel costs have become unbearable,” said Nwachukwu.

 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked all of his Cabinet secretaries to submit their resignations on Thursday in what he called a “bold reset” of his administration following last week’s mid-term elections.

The elections saw more opposition candidates win crucial Senate seats, signaling shifting political tides.

Marcos, the 67-year-old son of the late Philippine dictator overthrown in 1986, won the presidency in a landslide in 2022, a stunning political comeback marked by a call for national unity.

However, his vice-presidential running mate, Sara Duterte, also widely popular, later distanced herself from Marcos in a falling-out that had sparked intense political discord.

Marcos had since emerged as one of the region’s most vocal critics of China’s aggression in the disputed South China Sea, bolstered by support from the United States and other allies. Domestically, he continued to face significant challenges, including high inflation, unfulfilled promises to lower rice prices, and growing concerns over kidnappings and other crimes.

“This is not business as usual,” Marcos said in a government statement.

“The people have spoken and they expect results, not politics, not excuses. We hear them and we will act.” (AP/NAN)