Inline with it sphilosophy of reaching the unreached, a socio-political group – The Rivers Equity Group – has embarked on a medical outreach to rural communities in the state.
National Leader of the group, Elder Clapton Ogolo, told newsmen during the programme at the Ogale Civic Centre, Eleme, that the outreach was based on a need assessment conducted by the group.
“We are here to continue with what we feel should be done in the rural areas and local government areas.
“Like you know, we had aneed assessment, and we realised that most of the people in the rural areas have need for medical attention, particularly their sight.
“We decided to simplify their health status by coming here”, he said.
Ogolo said the group has already visited four local government areas, stressing that all local government areas would be visited.
He said the programme would help those who cannot read to read as well as know how to vote during the 2023 elections.
Ogolo commended the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his support towards the success of the programme, noting that it shows his concern for the health of Rivers people.
Also speaking, Sir. Emeka Ichoku, said the programme was to improve the health conditions of the people.
Ichoku said the outreach would be taken to all local government areas of the state.
He said the programme was made possible with the support of the PDP Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, noting that it shows his deep concern for the health of Rivers people.
Ichoku also maintained that the outreach would also be used by the group to sensitise the people on the importance of collection of their permanent voters cards (PVCs).
In his remarks, a former permanent secretary in the state, Sir John Nalley, restated that the medical outreach was based on a need assessment conducted by the group.
He said the assessment revealed that the people needed medical attention as a matter of urgency.
Nalley commended the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, SirSiminialayiFubara, for his support to the group to undertake the medical outreach.
On her part, Managing Director of Linsolar Eye Clinic,Dr.Adeline Aluge, said over 700 persons have been tested and provided with eye glasses.
She said those with serious cases were being referred to both secondary and tertiary medical institutions for treatment.
Speaking,Chairman of ElemeLocal Government Area, Chief ObarillormateOllor, described the programme as a sign of great things to come.
Ollor, who said this during a courtesy call by the group in his office, also pledged his council’s preparedness to collaborate with the group to reach all nooks and crannies of the area.
He also commended the people for the massive turn out for the programme, and added that the council would undertake the treatment of those with serious cases.
Ollor thanked the leadership of the Rivers Equity Group for finding Eleme worthy to benefit from their project.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to identify with the group, and asserted that the service the group has embarked upon would open the way for the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state.
According to him, “when you reach out to the helpless, God will repay such kindness by making you achieve what you are looking for”.
“I listened carefully to your presentation and waited eagerly to hear such comments as we appeal for your financial assistance but it never came rather you are emphasizing the need to reach out to as many indigent persons as possible to give them a better life through medical support while difficult cases shall be referred to other secondary and or tertiary medical institutions.
“This makes it clear that the impact of what you are here to do today will have a far reaching effect and a lasting impact on our people. It is because of this high level of commitment, dedication and readiness to sincerely assist our people that I am going to support this group so that it can achieve even greater goals. As a local government, we shall also support those whose cases shall require referral to ensure that they are given the needed medical attention”, Ollor noted.
Ollor said the move has reassured him and enhanced his confidence in the Sir SimFubara’s candidacy.
He noted that, “Sim is the engine room of Rivers State and no one else knows Rivers State at the apex of governance more than him, therefore, if he supports this kind of idea, it gives us a clue to what he can do when he eventually emerges as governor”.
Also PDP Chairman in Eleme, Hon.FyneOlungwe, described the programme as the beginning of a new era in Rivers State.
Olungwe said the programme has shown that the next PDP administration in the state would bring health care to the door steps of every Rivers man and woman.
Some beneficiaries of the programme, including Pastor Joshua Joshua,Mrs Mercy Chiteh, and others, thanked the group for the gesture, and called for the programme to be sustained.
Over 300 persons benefited from the scheme as they were given free medication and medicated glasses.

By: John Bibor