Nation

NMA Tasks Ugwuanyi On Covid-19 Protocols Enforcement

Published

3 years ago

February 17, 2021

As the second wave of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic continues to rave the entire world, members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Branch have called on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to step-up all efforts towards COVID-19 protocols enforcement in the state.
The doctors made their feelings known in a statement jointly signed by the state’s Chairman of NMA, Dr John Onyia and its Secretary, Dr Aloy Ugwoke, and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Sunday.
They also decried the alarming rise of cases of COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 related-deaths in the state since the second wave of the dreaded global pandemic began.
“We strongly recommend the enforcement of appropriate restrictions regarding indiscriminate social gatherings at this time in the state.
“The NMA remains ready to work with the state government towards instituting a robust COVID-19 committee and a COVID-19 response team in conjunction with other allied health professionals.
“The committee will help in formulating local policies which will combat the truly disconcerting spread of COVID-19 infection and the attendant morbidities and mortalities in our dear state’’.
The statement also urged the state government to step up the immediate enforcement of strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols in the Valentine’s Day Celebration, which is already revving up in the state.
It noted that the move was to guard against the inevitable explosion of cases of COVID-19 infections and COVID-19 related deaths in the state in the aftermath of Valentine’s Day celebration.
They reasoned that: “Enugu State will most likely experience a massive influx of Valentine celebrants this weekend from other states, with a consequential projected massive spread of COVID-19, if the Presidential orders and NCDC guidelines are not observed.
“Many hotels will be fully booked by weekend, and most entertainment spots and other places of outing like shopping malls, night clubs, should be expecting large crowds that will no doubt breach the COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols.
“We are constrained to make this clarion call which is borne out of our acute awareness that the health facilities and personnel in Enugu State are nearly overwhelmed by the increased incidence in symptomatic COVID-19 related cases and deaths.
“With a significant number of the health workers and their relatives in Enugu State now down with COVID-19 infection contracted inadvertently while attending to the COVID-19 cases that abound now in the state.
“As a state, we cannot afford to encourage circumstances and events geared towards circumventing COVID-19 protocols as approved by the Federal Government, especially in the face of the fast spreading community acquired COVID-19 infections caused by the emergent, more virulent strain of COVID-19 virus’’.
The statement equally advised the state government to immediately cancel all cannivals and mass gatherings and other festivities in order to reduce the community spread of COVID-19 infections in the state.

By: Canice Amadi, Enugu

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.