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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Dep Gov Visits Inmates, Less Privileged On Birthday

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The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Wednesday, explained why he always identifies with the less privileged on his birthdays, saying it will be uncharitable to throw lavish parties in the midst of misery and hunger.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this while speaking with newsmen at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, shortly after visiting the sick, prison inmates and special children as part of activities to mark his birthday.
The Deputy Governor, who visited the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, the Diete Koki Memorial Hospital and Gloryland Children’s Home all in Opolo, was accompanied by some House of Assembly members, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other top government functionaries.
While appreciating the place of celebration in human life, he however, maintained that it would be morally wrong for him to organise loud birthday parties that would not touch the lives of the less privileged in society.
He said a true reflection on the socio-economic situation of the country would challenge every well meaning Nigerian to think more of how to reduce the level of hunger and poverty than to engage in self-glorification and revelry.
“What are you celebrating when there are so many persons who lack? As you see today, we have visited the correctional centre, the orphanage, and some hospitals.You cannot celebrate lavishly when a lot of people are not in a position to have something to eat. That will be very uncharitable. Thousands of people around you are hungry. So, what joy do you actually derive in celebrating in that manner?”, he said.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo appealed to the political class and other well placed citizens to always reach out to the needy, especially in their moment of celebrations as part of service to God and humanity.
According to the Deputy Governor, his birthday on the 5th of September coincided with the yearly celebration of the International Day of Charity, which inspires him to carry out philanthropic activities to justify the day and his belief.
At the Gloryland Children Home, Opolo, Senator Ewhrudjakpo sang and danced with the special children and assured that government would soon build a more befitting centre for them.
Highpoint of the celebration was cutting of his birthday cake with the children as well as donation of food items and cash for their upkeep.
At the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, the Deputy Governor donated food items and cash to the management of the facility even as he directed the Management of FMC Yenagoa to distribute his little financial gift to all the wards in the facility.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also made a cash donation and offered to foot the bills of Wednesday 8th September for all registered expectant mothers who turned up for antenatal healthcare at the Diete Koki Memorial Hospital.
Receiving the items, the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs. Faith Opene, and Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Okaka, Mr Emeka Ogbuji, thanked the Deputy Governor for his show of magnanimity towards the needy
Mrs. Opene, who described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a loving and caring father, prayed God to bless him with more wisdom and resources to cater to the needs of the less privileged.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
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Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River 

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The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong  Offiong,  has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
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Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

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The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
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