The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu has just been elected the national vice Chairman; Nigeria Health Commissioner’s Forum and S’south chairman/ coordinator by the Nigerian Health Commissioners.

This election is coming barely three months after she was appointed commissioner of Health in Cross River State by the state governor Sen Ben Ayade.

A statement delivered to Daily Sun shows that she is to deputise Dr. Abba Umar of Jigawa; chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners forum to ensure effective and efficient management and administration of the sector.

Responding to the development, Nigerian Governors Forum secretariat, the Honorable minister For Health and the Honorable Minister for Health State, sent felicitations to the new leadership.
Others who sent their congratulations are; the National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Executive Director, Development partners and other key stakeholders in the health sector. They implore the new leadership to deliver on mandate to restore the sanity and dignity of the health sector.

According to them, “together we will build a strong health system and achieve universal health coverage for all, we remain auspicious that the health sector will begin to receive full support and attention it deserves.

They pleadged their unwavering support to the new chairman and Vice to take the sector to a higher level however reminded them that to whom much is given to you more is expected. For other regional coordinators have been elected too. Congratulations!

The member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency, Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom has reacted to social media comparison of his stewardship with his colleagues. Jarigbe cautioned his admirers to refrain from comparing him to his colleagues in the house as everyone has their areas of specialization. According to him, some doesn't have people projecting their deeds on media, it doesn't mean they are not working.

"I am just in my little corner, trying to do my best for my Constituency/ Constituents.  Pls I wish to advise that no one should compare my achievements to that of my other Colleagues. Everyone is doing his OR her best in the areas they consider most important. 

We have our peculiar challenges and we cant all be doing the same things at the same time. Some of my Colleagues are not on Facebook and dont have anyone projecting their good works on Facebook but that doesn't mean they are not working.  

We are one United front in everything and we will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in us by our highly cherished Constituents. Once more, I implore all of us to engage constructively as we get critical of the goings-on, because tomorrow is pregnant. You might be on these Seats tomorrow.  Remember, we were not here yesterday and might not be here tomorrow. Change is inevitable."

By Sylvia Okoi

The commissioner for Local Government Affairs Hon.Stella Odey-Ekpo 
has stressed the need for the ministry of local Government Affairs to work In synergy with the office of the auditor General for  local Government .


Odey stated this  in a familiarization visit to the office of the  Auditor General
recently in calabar.
       Speaking during the visit Odey siad it was needful for her to  become abreast
       with the activites of the Auditor General's office in oder to create a balanced and cordial
Working relationship as well as Synergise amicably wtth the aim of fostering development in
The local Government sector.


   Hon. Odey appealed to the Auditor General  to endeavour to send vetted copies of vouchers on or before the tenth (10th) of  every month for onward Submission to the Governor.

        In her response , the Auditor General for Local Government Mrs. Franka Inok expressed appreciation to the commissioner for visiting her office .
Mrs Inok stated that the AG's office operates in an unbiased manner with their duties spanning across the 18 Local Government Area(s) of the state. She disclosed that her office is mandated to audit the discharge as well spending of public funds in the Local Government sector.
On futher interaction with the commissioner Mrs. Inok disclosed that the office of the Auditor General keeps confidential and sensitive reports hence operates as an independent body, Inok however promised to work round the clock to ensure that vetted vouchers are submitted to the Ministry of local Government Affairs within the given time. She informed that with the recent committee formed by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State prof. Ivara Esu to integrate all the payroll of Government into an automated payroll , the innovation according to her would help to curb the delay in late submission of wage bill which would in turn facilitate faster payments of salaries.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government Affairs Dr. Mrs. Irene Aniyom and other management staff.

February 07,2020

Notwithstanding there is different perception by many people about politicians.
Some of them are viewed as self-centered; however, still there are some that are good as they consider politics as a way of serving people with genuine passion and zeal towards bringing developmental projects that will impact positively on the lives of their people.

Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is a member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the people's democratic party(PDP).

To many, Hon.Jarigbe is placed among those politicians who feel concerned for the poor and the less privileged in the society. They also see him as somebody who feels being in public office is not about power and money for someone to remain relevant in the society, but it is someone’s best opportunity to serve people.

One unique quality with Hon.Jarigbe that was well noted in him even before he became what he is today, was his ability to make himself available to the people of his constituency even before they offered him an opportunity to serve them in the House of Representatives.

They saw him as a person who was able to bring new dawn for them when he was a community Servant and a grass Root mobilizer.

Women and youths were empowered the lawmaker irrespective of party affiliation. In fact, the people of the constituency to include the party chieftains adjudged him as someone who always idealizes every individual need to be empowered and motivated financially and otherwise in order to raise the generation of givers not takers from the society.

While Jarigbe was a community political messenger, he was really on the forefront in securing gainful employments to deserving youths while the less educated ones were being empowered with different skills aimed at making them self-reliant without becoming a burden to the society,he is still doing it.

He, right from then, proved his worthiness as a transformational figure who has inspired, energized and intellectually stimulated the youths and the people of the constituency through various enhancement programs without recourse to party affiliation.

When he declared intention to serve the constituency as its representative at the House of Representatives, he once said: “Ogoja/Yala needs to be transformed and revived economically through job creation to make it an enterprising hub.”

He said his aspiration was informed by the passion and vision to advance Ogoja/Yala Federal Consituency and the state on a new economic, political and infrastructural stream, better than it was it was before for the benefit of all and sundry.

Following his track record of achievements as a grass Root politician and his academic as well as professional qualifications, Jarigbe is seen as a jewel and most suited for all political positions in cross river.

It is not out of place to refer the constituency as one of the most strategic in Cross river’s political equation given its importance. This is more so as it is blessed with huge population and potentials

As such it requires a robust representation that will emancipate the population from the shackles of progress and Hon.Jarigbe Agom is doing wonders.

That is to say that the constituency is currently undergoing a political surgery with focus, skill and experience as epitomized by Hon.Jarigbe.

He has brought back the path of economic prosperity, thus strengthening its values, empowering and encouraging self-reliance among the youths, women and the physically challenged.

Accordingly, his politics, character and vision have been informed and guided by his philosophy of serving the humanity. Jarigbe for sure has served the principal interest of the masses and that their interest would not be sacrificed either on the altar of political expediency or in pursuit of a narrow self interest.

Even before the proclamation of the 9th National Assembly, he earned the respect of being in forefront for the Nigerians’ dream of having a responsible National Assembly outing. Even though a newly elected member, he had the passion and courage of conviction in the way he brilliantly declared himself and Ogoja/Yala people’s support for a better society.

He made himself available in the new Nigeria campaign train that toured the six geo-political zones of the country to solicit support towards producing a leadership that will be a pride to all in the nation. The representative possesses the priceless acumen needed to take up his new tasks.

Another pivotal point that cannot be taken away from him is his desire to support the government policies in moving forward the nation’s interests.

He has manifested a sophisticated political capacity of which only a few can boast of having it. He is a personification of humanity, a selfless public servant and an uncommon citizen, who thinks more about the other persons’ feelings than his own.

Read also: house Of Rep Member Speaks On Road Reconstruction Projects In Constituency, Others

Afrika Youth Movement (AYM) Nigeria Hub is happy to announce a Partnership with Impact Foundation for Youth Development (IFYD) on the project " Maternal -Infant Healthcare Initiative  MIHI.                     

The MIHI project is targeted towards curbing the challenges faced by women in vulnerable communities. The project aims to equip vulnerable women with free birth kits to prepare them for emergency childbirth complications and to educate them on healthy and safe practices during the period of pregnancy to childbirth.     

Date : February 15th , 2020.

Location: Malaysian Garden IDP Camp, Apo after Mechanic Village, Abuja - Nigeria.

We encourage all AYMers around this location to participate actively in this project. 

We also would require the service of a photographer to help capture this noble project - If you're available to volunteer, please reach out. It promises to be a rewarding experience. 

Thank you great AYMers!
Viva Africa!!!

(1) ACCORD.
(2) ACTION ALLIANCE.
(3) AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS.
(4) AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS.
(5) ACTION DEMOCRATIC PARTY
(6) ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS.
(7) ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE.
(8) ALLIED PEOPLES MOVEMENT.
(9) LABOUR PARTY
(10) NEW NIGERIA PEOPLE'S PARTY.
(11) NATIONAL RESCUE MOVEMENT
(12) PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY
(13) PEOPLE'S REDEMPTION PARTY
(14) SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY
(15) YOUNG PROGRESSIVE PARTY
(16) ZENITH LABOUR PARTY
(17) BOOTH PARTY
(18) ACTION PEOPLE'S PARTY

In line with Section 47(1) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution (2017 as amended) all Party Officers shall hold offices for a term of four years. 

The four-year tenure of many State Executives shall be expiring at various times this year having been elected in 2016.

The Party shall therefore, be holding Congresses to elect new Executives at the State and Zonal Levels.

Following the approval by National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 88th Meeting, the time-table and Schedule of Activities for the year 2020 Congresses are now operational. 

The Sale of Forms for the Congresses commenced today Wednesday February 05, 2020 at the National Secretariat.  All aspirants are therefore, advised to purchase  their Nomination Forms from the National Secretariat of the Party.

Since millions of our teaming supporters, Party Members and Stakeholders across the Nation would be involved, it has become necessary for me, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), to encourage all our Members to see the year 2020 Congresses as yet another opportunity to show the world, that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not only the largest Party in Africa, but a Party of rules and due process.  The Leadership of the Party enjoins us all to be orderly, peaceful and Law abiding.

Let all aspirants campaign freely, ensure compliance with all constitutional provisions, maintain absolute decorum and avoid unwholesome behaviours that are capable of impugning on the integrity of the processes.  Remember the exercise is a family affair. 

I wish us all successful Congresses.



Col Austin Akobundu (rtd).
National Organizing Secretary

The Cross River State House Of Assembly Has today passed the Bill Seeking Name Change of Cross River University of Technology - CRUTECH to a conventional University - University of Cross River State -UNICROSS

The bill which also addresses other related issues, is a private member bill sponsored by the leader of the house Rt Hon Peter Odinga representing the Ogoja state constituency.

We await the speedy assent of his Excellency The Governor.

Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal constituency, Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom

February 06,2020

A member of the House of Representatives, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has promised to build on the gains of his first term in office in order to achieve more in the next three years.

Jarigbe, who was re-elected to represent Ogoja / Yala/ federal Constituency spoke with journalists in Ogoja, over the week.

He said that even though his first term was a bit challenging, a lot of progress was recorded as he was able to sponsor several bills and motions. He said he has been able to sponsor and move many motions and bills.

He said: “I facilitated the establishment of the Federal university of Technology  in Ogoja and the construction of many school blocks as a result of motions moved by me.

“During the security crisis between Yala and the Izzi People of ebonyi state,I made sure the attention of the Federal Government and most especially relevant agencies were drawn to it by bringing the issue under matter of urgent national importance. To ensure we live in peace among ourselves,

“In terms of projects, I have facilitated the construction of network of roads in ogoja/Yala.The construction of Boki Road through G.R.A in Ogoja Construction of the (old) Union Bank Road, Igoli-Ogoja are all my efforts to bring development,in addition, I have equipped Health centres within my Constituency .

“I also empowered  farmers,youths,market women across my constituency In terms of constituency projects, I have constructed quite a number of boreholes and built schools across the constituency.

“We have had a fair spread of projects across the constituency but we still have a lot of communities that have not be reached. My goal is to ensure all our communities have a fair share of projects and by God’s grace it will be achieved in my second term.”

Employing and facilitating the employment of his constituents into federal agencies.

Effective Representation; sponsoring bills and moving motions to better the lives of Ogoja/Yala constituents in particular and Nigerians at Large.

 Hon. Jarigbe who has proven to be an indispensable force in the House of Representative, has be mandated with so many responsibilities to represent the house at various fora.

 Notable among such was his appointment to chair the committee investigating the revenue leakages in the Department of Petroleum Resources,a job that was carried out meticulously & credibly.

Solar Powered Boreholes in Ishibori, Yache, Okuku, Idum- mbube & Ibil. Ishibori is completed and commissioned.

Electrification Projects in Wanibolor, Wanihem, (in Ukelle) Electrification to Mbube East area from Benkpe,supply of Transformers to Ogoja/Yala Fed Constituency.

Construction of 6 classrooms block with VIP toilets in st. Michael’s Prim School, Ibil, Ogoja, skill Acquisition Training and Empowerment Program,distribution of educational aids across the 24 wards of the constituency.

COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CHARGED CALABAR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ON GRASSROOT ORIENTED PROJECTS, COMMENDS HOLGA.

By Adoga Michael Oyi

The commissioner for Local Government affairs, Hon Mrs Stella Oreme Odey who has embarked on an 'on the spot' assessment of Local Government pension board and Local Government councils has commended the HOLGA of Calabar Municipal, Rev. Mrs Christiana Elemi and her staff on work improvement in the council Secretariat, and charged them to embark more on grassroot oriented projects.

Honorable Commissioner for Local Government affairs, Hon Mrs Stella Oreme Odey

On arrival, the Honorable Commissioner told the HOLGA that she came with her team for an on the spot assessment of the council. She said she was delighted with Calabar Municipal because the council is like a home to her, and the improvement of work she has seen so far is commendable.

"Governor Ben Ayade is a man with the heart of effective service delivery, so as his staff we have no option than to render effective services for the industrialization agenda to be achieved". She said, the local government is the arm that must render selfless services to the rural populace as it is the nearest government to the grassroots.

"Our mandate is that, the LG administrator must stay within their Local Government and render selfless and sacrificial services to the people". " Sen. Prof Ben Ayade is poised at seeing the Local Government working and we have no choice than to deliver on the mandate", she said.

The head inspectorate, ministry of LG affairs,Mr Sylvanus Enang, also commended Calabar Municipal HOLGA and her staff, but also charged them on improvement in record keeping. He left a template with them and promised to visit back.

The HOLGA, Calabar Municipal Council, Rev. Mrs. Christiana Elemi while speaking, commended the commissioner and her team for their visit though uninformed. Mrs Elemi said, the Calabar Municipal is collaborating with Smartgov in making sure all businesses operational in Calabar Municipal are collated into a data base. According to her, the collation is gear towards having the data of all businesses in the LG and their contribution to revenue generation. "I'm proud to say that Calabar Municipal is about the first  LG to embark on this".

Rev. Elemi further stated that, the revenue of the LG was politicized before her arrival but after series of dialogue, the LG  has been able to enter into agreement with the revenue contractors on percentage sharing formula, which brought synergy between the LG and the revenue contractors.

The commissioner commended the HOLGA for the innovation in the council's IGR, and prayed other LGAs emulates Calabar Municipal on the innovation of Data base collation on Revenue that would boast the council's IGR. She advised that, the HOLGA carry all staff along. "Unite all staff because in Unity they could achieve a lot, even His Excellency Prof Ben Aayde believes in togetherness.

Speaking further,  the HOLGA Rev. Elemi also lamented on the hosting of Christmas village in the council Secretariat. She said, offices were invaded and items stolen. "The premises of the council were messed up with faeces, urine, electric poles vandalized, etc. She suggested that, if the environment and security of the Christmas village can't be properly handled, the Christmas village be relocated.

The commissioner advised the HOLGA to write officially to those in charge of the event, and to his Excellency stating all that she has stated.

The heads of department in Calabar Municipal LG, briefed the commissioner and her team on all projects executed and ongoing. The Agric department took the commissioner to their demonstration farm where the Honorable Commissioner advised them to key into one of the seven (7) points agenda of the State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, which is Agriculture. She told them the concept of G-Money (Green-Money) which is centered around Agriculture is realistic and should be tapped into.
She also advised the Agric head to demonstrate rice farming  in next planting season.

The commissioner and her team then took the tour of the offices and the environment.

Read also: Local Government Affairs/Pension Board: Ayade, Stella Frowns At Fraud In Pension Board.

Honorable commissioner for  local Government affairs Hon Stella Oreme (middle), Permanebt secretary Dr. Irene (left) and the Dep. Director Admin Pension Board during the commissioner on the spot visit to the board.

The Cross River State government has frowned  at the fraudulent activities of the Local Government pensions'Board. This was made known by the Honorable commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon Mrs. Stella Oreme Odey, when she and her team from the ministry of Local government affairs paid an on the spot visit to the board in calabar.

Hon Odey told the pension board that, the suspension of the board  was as a result of the fraudulent activities going on in the board. According to her, His Excellency the executive Governor of Cross  River state Prof Sen. Ben Ayade holds pensioners in high esteem and doesn't want anything short of transparency when dealing with the pensioners "His Excellency is a lover of Pensioners and has warned that they must be treated with utmost respect.

Hon Odey also frowned at the dirty environment Housing the board . "I'm not happy with the environment here at all, the environment is unkept which will hinder efficiency in service delivery.

Speaking further, the commissioner told them that, the ban is still on and will remain so until transparency is eschewed in the board.


The Commissioner gave the board till Monday to compile the record of those that have gotten gratuity and those that haven't. She said, His Excellency is a very humane Governor that cares so much about humans especially the aged pensioners, and has vowed to fire with immediate effect anyone caught in any fraudulent acts against the pensioners


The permanent secretary, Ministry of Local government affairs also pleaded with the board to be humane with pensioners because they are humans too.  She told them to be careful cause God is watching. She intimated the Director that, if he notices that a staff of his  is having special interest on a particular file, he should monitor such staff keenly to find out why the special interest.

The JACC accountant Mrs Pauline Odey also told the staff that, the board is a place where they could get special favor due to the way they treat people. So quality and transparent service delivery should be their watch word.

In the same vein,the Accountant of the Ministry mr Mathias Abu also charged the board to be careful cause the blessings they would get from pensioners for treating them well would be better than the fraud.

The Director Admin, and staff of the pension board thanked His Excellency Governor Ben Ayade for appointing a zealous and proactive commissioner into the ministry of LG affairs. They appreciated Hon Stella Odey for the timely visit, and promised to improve in their activities while they also checkmate the activities of the fraudsters in the board.

The Executive Chairman, Cross River Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey, said the board would not condone any form of fraudulent activity by teachers in the state.

Odey gave this warning on Tuesday in Calabar when he received an award from the participants of the 2018 Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS) on behalf of Gov. Ben Ayade.

He said since his assumption of office in 2016, the board had remained focused in the pursuit of excellence in line with the governor’s vision of restoring the lost glory of the basic education sub sector.

Odey described the leadership award given to the governor and  an award of service to himself as the society’s approval of his good job.

In his remark,  he said, “I thank you for this award; this will serve as a motivation to the administration in its strive for excellence in the education sector and the basic education sub sector in particular.

“As some of you know, I have been a teacher, so I take the teaching profession very serious, which is why we embarked on a personnel audit exercise to ensure that we get the best for the state.

“For those who know me, I am a no nonsense person when it comes to doing my work.
“SUBEB under my leadership runs an open door policy and ensures transparency in all its dealings. We do not collect money for employment purposes.

“We do not tolerate the use of fake certificates and we will always go after fraudsters in order to ensure that education remains the centre of excellence in our dear state,” Odey said.

Also, the Coordinator of FTS 2018 Participants, Mr Uwase Uwase, thanked the board and the state government for their support during the course of the two years programme.

He described the SUBEB chairman as a disciplined and hard working administrator, stressing that ” it is evident in the numerous achievements recorded by the board,”

“We have noticed a whole lot of reforms in the state and that is courtesy of what you have been able to do, especially  in our schools.
“We have witnessed massive infrastructure development, supply of furniture and so on.
‘In your recent recruitment, we saw a very transparent process that was different from anything else in the country.

“We say thank you very much for setting the pace as well as having a good blueprint for us as the younger generation to come and inherit", he said.

In continuance with the State's fight against Lassa Fever and corona virus outbreak in the State, the cross river state government through the Ministry of Health has donated health preventive equipments to the 13th Brigade Command Akim during the Lassa fever sensitization campaign organized by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the CRSMOH and WHO.

The Health Commissioner alongside the the 13th Brigade Commander and NAOWA coordinator CRS carried out a physical demonstration on hand washing sensitization before the donation of the protective equipments by the Honorable Commissioner Dr Betta Edu on behalf of the State Government. "I want to specially on behalf of Sen Prof Ben Ayade thank the 13th Brigade and Brigade commander Olatoye for the proactiveness and exceptional contributions to the health sector as within a space of two weeks, data has been given to us by the army reflecting extensive work done in your formations communities and schools.

Your Health demonstrations in various schools where deworming exercises were carried out for the school pupil as well as other exercises has made a lot of impact."

"I wish to use this opportunity to thank you for being interested in health issues as health is wealth. Am pleased with your level of sensitization on corona virus and Lassa Fever in all Army formations as you remain top on the list. Your mobilization of  mothers, children, market women etc for this exercise is highly commendable. We must prevent Lassa fever, however, any suspected case should please be reported to the State Epidemiologist on 08038699957 so we can take speedy action as we'll continue to partner with the Brigade on anything that has to do with health. Our duty is to safe guard the health of cross Riverians!”



She ended by appreciating the Nigeria Army Officers Wife Association (NAOWA) for doing a wonderful job and always being supportive as items donated includes; Lassa Fever Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), Ribavirin, Hand gloves, Hand sanitizer, 5% Dextrose Water, 0.9% Normal Saline, Ringers lactate, ceftriazone etc.

Immediately after the sensitization exercise by WHO and in Hausa language by Corp. Habiba Yusuf was a presentation on Abattoir management done by Dr B. Patrick who advised them on the routine practice of always wearing protective clothing before transferring of meat to any location. The event had in attendance the 13th Brigade Commander Brig. Gen O.T. Olatoye who was ably represented by Lt. Col. S.S. Odionyenfe, the Health Commissioner Hon Dr Betta Edu, DG CRSPHCDA Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Permanent Secretary Bar Takon A. Takon, Col. M.O. Yaya, and a host of other very important dignitaries.

Immediately after the immunization sensitization by Mrs Joy Ochebo who announced that the National Immunization day is scheduled for 15th - 18th of February, the 13th Brigade Commander made his vote of thanks appreciating H.E for his immense support and the health commissioner for being everywhere making a difference as far as health issues bothering the State are concerned. Col. M.O Yaya who is in charge of health matters in the Barracks led the dignitaries for an inspection of the Barrack's abattoir, the Health Commissioner commended the Nigerian army and the  leadership of the market on the level of cleanliness and advised that such practices be continued and propagated to other abattoirs and markets as this will help reduce diseases outbreak of disease in the state.

LASSA FEVER & CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: CROSSPGRSA HOLDS CAMPAIGN AGAINST VIRUSES

Comrade Accord Aja led Exco 2019/2020 of the  Cross River State Post Graduate Students' Association, CROSSPGRSA, UNICAL Chapter, sets to embark on sensitization and awareness campaign within the campus.

In a caption #HEALTHDAY2020, CROSSPGRSA would be enlightening the students and staff of the institution on preventive measures against the deadly diseases.

Earlier yesterday, the team visited the honorable commission for Health, Dr. Betta Edu to seek her input and guidance since the ministry under her watch is seriously frowning at and campaigning against the deadly viruses already.

Post graduate students in round table discussion with the Honorable commissioner for Health Dr Mrs Betta Edu

Dr. Betta indeed briefed them on the way to go. She listed out some preventive measures, also reechoed that there's no Lassa fever or coronavirus  in Cross River State. According to her, all the ministry is doing is simply getting people to know what these viruses can do within a twinkle of an eye if they gets to our body, and the need to stay prevented from them.

Comr. Accord Aja, President Post Graduate students' association UNICAL chapter

Dr Edu commended the association for their foresight and care about people's lives and the welfare of our dear State.

Group photo with the Commissioner

.......................................

As seen on the flyer the THEME for the outreach is HOW TO PREVENT LASSA FEVER AND CORONAVIRUS. The date for the sensitization has been scheduled for Wednesday, 5th February, 2020 at the University premises.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have donated Lassa Fever protective kits  to fight Lassa Fever in the State.

The donation was made for improved healthcare service delivery against Lassa Fever, According to the statement issued on Monday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, the interventionist agency also expressed concern about the well-being and healthcare of the South-South People of Nigeria; expressing joy that Governor Ben Ayade’s response to the crises is second to none in the country.

Dr Betta Edu, the Commissioner for Health, received the donation on behalf of the State Government on Friday.

NCDC and NDDC bosses  said the gesture was to complement the dynamic way in which the Governor of Cross River State has managed the Emergency operations and provided strong leadership as well as political will to keep Lassa fever out of the State. They  appreciated the Cross River State Government and its strides in campaigning against the menace of Lassa Fever in rural areas.

The items donated include; cartons of personal protective equipment, Rivarbirin, antibiotics infusions, surgical gloves, hand gloves, hand sanitisers and  bottles of hand wash and  digital thermometers.

The Commissioner said the materials were meant to be used by health workers across the State

“the tension is reducing because of our enligtment campaign across different Communities,” communities are better equipped with information to prevent Lassa fever and they know what to do if a suspected case is found.”

The NCDC boss also said that the items were donated as part of the organization's supporting gesture to Cross River State in discharging its duties.

“We are going to continue in our partnership and put machinery in motion to ensure we do not record Lassa Fever outbreak in cross river state.

Presenting the  kits at the Ministry of Health in Calabar, NDDC acting Managing Director, Dr Joi Nunieh, said the commission was concerned about the outbreak of Lassa fever in the South- South region of Nigeria.

Represented by the NDDC Director of Health, Education and Social Services, Mr Peter Edieya, Nunieh said: “The recent outbreak of Lassa fever compels our intervention because our people must be healthy to enjoy the development we bring.

“We must therefore, continue to promote good community hygiene, discourage rodents’ invasion of our homes, and introduce effective measures, which include storing grains and other foodstuffs in covered containers.”

The NDDC boss commended the Cross River State ministry of health  for public enlightenment campaigns to sensitize people about the Lassa fever scourge and educate them on how to check its spread, stressing that; “We must continue to enlighten our people.”

Receiving the medical kits and drugs, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, thanked NDDC and NCDC for the intervention, which she said came at the right time.

She declared the willingness of the state government to collaborate with the two bodies and other agencies to check the spread of the disease, adding that: "We are hopeful that the health sector in the state will benefit a lot from NDDC in the near future.”