... Awards Scholarships To Outstanding School Children

Posted by Israel Kehinde, NUJ Ogun State.


In an effort to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people of Etim Ekpo, who have been hit hardest by the economic challenges caused by the fuel subsidy removal, the Executive Chairman, Etim Ekpo Local Government Council; Rt. Hon. Imeh Afia, has launched a special medical outreach for his people.

The outreach, according to the Chairman, is designed to provide medical care and treatment for those in need, and is funded by the Council.

Rt. Hon. Afia, who had earlier rolled out educational palliative for Etim Ekpo students in the tertiary institution, told newsmen yesterday during his unannounced visit to the General Hospital, Uruk Ata Ikot Ekpor, that the programmes were borne out of his desire to cushion the hardship being experienced by his people as a result of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

The special medical outreach is a subsidy programme, where the Chairman has reduced the financial burden by paying a portion of the cost of medical procedures such as normal delivery, Caesarean section and antenatal.

Others include: malaria and typhoid fever treatment and drugs, test for diabetes, liver disease, blood sugar level, Hepatitis B, blood pressure among others

The Council boss, during the surprise visit to the General Hospital said: “My Leader in the State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, has shown the importance of first-hand information by visiting every project site by himself rather than simply receiving reports from his office.

"As one of the disciples of his ARISE Agenda, it was pertinent that I visit this Health Facility by myself so that I can better understand where our intervention is needed. This way, the Council will be more effective in helping to improve the lives of the people we serve."

The Chairman expressed the hope that his Council's special medical outreach will help to reduce the financial burden on families who are struggling to afford healthcare in the current economic climate.

Informing that his administration has given top priority to the health needs of the rural community, in line with the Governor's ARISE Agenda, Hon. Afia listed his achievements in the health sector to include several medical outreaches in the past among others.

Meanwhile, both patients and Health workers in the Hospital who were surprised to receive their unannounced visitor lauded the Chairman for the magnanimity and his consistent empowerment of his people as well as the lives he is imparting through his visionary and people-oriented programmes.

Many beneficiaries, when notified that their medical bills had been settled by the Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, shed tears of joy, even as they prayed God to bless the council boss and all the leaders in the State.

On his part, the Medical Superintendent of the General Hospital, Dr. Essiet Ime, who was flanked by his Secretary, the Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Officers and Nurses, said the Chairman's palliative has taken away the financial burden that would have been on the patients

Dr Essiet, specifically commended Rt Hon Imeh Afia for addressing security issues; incessant kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices in the area, maintaining that "Etim Ekpo is now peaceful."

The Medical Superintendent while soliciting for the Council's support for diesel to light up the General Hospital, warmly appealed the State government to post more professionals and other health workers to the General Hospital to continue providing quality care to the Etim Ekpo people.

In another development, Rt Hon. Afia yesterday, officially received the youngest but brilliant pupil; Patti-bless Cornelius Anthony of Destiny Standard School, Obong Ata Essien.

The exemplary pupil who displayed excellent performance in the march past during this year's Children's Day Celebrations, received the Chairman's award and massive cash prize.

Rt. Hon. Afia, in recognition of academic excellence and exemplary behaviour of three pupils of Hope Abound Nursery and Primary School, Utu Ikot Ekpo, also awarded another massive cash prize and the sponsorship of the school fees for the three pupils.

He noted that the beneficiaries were deserving of the recognition for their dedication to their studies and for being role models for their peers.