CSOs tasks Private sectors on Corporate Social Responsibilities in A'Ibom

 

Prof Gabriel Umoh , CEO African Human Development center and head, IBOMWASH+  Akwa ibom

By Freshgist 

A cluster of six Civil Society Organizations (CSO) under the auspices of IbomWASH+ has charged  the private sector on Corporate Social Responsibilities in Akwa ibom state

Speaking during a two-days event at Luton Park Hotel, Uyo, tagged "WASH PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT" The project director, IbomWASH+ who is also the CEO, African Human Development Centre, Professor Gabriel Umoh disclosed that the engagement became necessary to deepen awareness of Private sectors on WASH and IBOMWASH activities and elicit Private sectors support for WASH reforms in the state.

Prof Umoh also urged the private sector to join voices with the cluster to call on the government to approve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy, Monitoring & Evaluation framework and Open Defecation-Free Road map it prepared for the state.

He explained that they had in the past years worked together to develop WASH policy for the state, produced M&E framework and also developed road map to help the state to be open defecation-free by 2025 being the target of the presidential order 009.

"Recall that the availability of policy and the professional body provides the enabling environment needed for businesses in the Akwa Ibom WASH sector to benefit from global funding in the WaSH sector.

"Private Sector Investment in water, sanitation and hygiene is tantamount to achieving Safe water for all and an Open defecation Free Akwa Ibom by 2025 and SDGG targets by 2030.

"Your voice and support is needed for the approval of the Akwa Ibom State WasH Policy, WaSH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Open Defecation Free Roadmap and budget increase for WaSH

"To boost businesses and activities in the WaSH value chain so we can achieve potable water, safe toilets and hygiene for all in Akwa Ibom State and you know what that will mean to our markets, schools, public places and most of all to our health, economy and happiness.

"For the past two years, we in the Civil Society Organization have been pushing for the approval of the policy and we decided that we should not work alone but should bring the private sector along so that together we can push the frontiers of the WASH sector of the state.", he said.

The project director noted that if  approval were given, they will serve as a framework for the state to work with.

 He also explained the benefits of Corporate Social Responsibilities to the private sector,  solicited their support for WASH reforms in the state, stressing that with collective effort, jobs will be created, crime rate will be reduced and   the state will achieve it's goal before 2025.

He expressed optimism that with the assurance of the WASH commissioner, that the documents will be given approval by the governor so that the state will be well placed in WASH mat- ters.

The workshop featured paper presentations, group work and question and answer session.

Tension as Collapsed Electric Pole Kills Cable Thief in A'Ibom community

 

By Freshgist 

There's palpable fear in Akwa Ibom Community as One Ulim Amos Udo of Udianga Enem village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, died while trying to steal electric cables belonging to the community.

The deceased, who was alleged to be a notorious cultist and a thief has been in the habit of stealing and robbing people of their valuables including livestock.

Our correspondent reported that the electric pole crashed on the suspected cable thief to the ground, killing him in the process.

One of the member  vigilante security group, Akpan Effiong Etuk, disclosed to newsmen that the incident occurred at about 2:00am, when the entire community people were already fast asleep.

According to Etuk, “When he climbed the pole, he had no premonition that due to heavy rain in recent times, the ground could be very soft for the pole to be firm enough to carry his weight.

” At the top of the pole, in the process of trying to be very fast in cutting off the cables, he fell down with the collapsing concrete pole, which crashed and heavily injured him."

“His accomplices rushed to his compound, popularly called Ilung – Udoiyong, and alerted the parents, who rushed him to a local traditional bone-setter at Ikot Edet village, in the neighbouring Ukanafun LGA, but unfortunately he died, and was hurriedly buried on Saturday.”

The Police Public Relations Officer , SP Odiko MacDon, when contacted said that the Command has not received such information, adding he would call the DPO in Etim Ekpo local government to confirm the development.

AKWA IBOM: CSOs appeals withdrawal of Umoren as REC of INEC

By Freshgist 

A coalition of Civil society organizations in Nigeria had on Monday appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the appointment of Mr Etekamba Umoren as the Residents Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National National Electoral Commission (INEC) as it negates the confident and integrity of our dear nation.

With reason being that the said Umoren  did not meet the constitutional requirement of being non-partisan as defined by Section 156 of the 1999 constitution to be appointed as an INEC Commissioner.

Speaking during a press conference organized, the CSOs disclosed to newsmen in Uyo that Umoren was a card carrying member of the All Progressive Congress and also an active participants who has held several roles and appointment in Akwa Ibom state and the National.

 The coalition explained that Umoren was their son and a good leader at that, that he should be given a political office not an office meant for a non- partisan, 

According to the coalition, Umoren's last political appointment was the Chief of Staff to Senator Godswill Akpabio when Senator Akpabio was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

“The appointment has already triggered outrage among Nigerians with many individuals and groups calling for the withdrawal of the

appointment by President Tinubu because, Mr. Umoren had openly declared his membership of the ruling APC.

“Etekamba Umoren had also campaigned for the ruling APC during the general elections in Akwa Ibom State.”  Mr Franklin Isong, State Director of CHRAN told journalist.

Isong added that said the appointment would also jeopardize the trust of other political parties in the commission.

“As civil society organizations that were part of the struggle for the return to democracy in Nigeria in 1999, we will not allow any undemocratic action that will truncate our hard-earned democracy which some of our colleagues unfortunately paid the supreme price with their lives.

“We will continue to ensure sustainability of Nigeria’s journey towards democratic consolidation by promoting and protecting the electoral integrity.” He maintained.

"If the appointment of Umoren is not withdrawn, it would mar future elections in the country and casts doubts independence of INEC adding that the coalition would continue it’s advocacy on the matter untill his withdrawal is effected.

Our correspondent listed the signatories of the conference as follows; Otuekong Franklin Isong as State Director of Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network CHRAN, Comrade Ifot N. Ifot as Chief Executive Officer of People's Rights to Life Development Foundation, Comrade (Dr) Victor David as Executive Director, Vital Partners for Development.  Comrade Ndaeyio Nathaniel as cordinator of Education Support Associates, Comrade Gideon Usen as Executive Director, Civil Society Network for Developement and Comrade Ime Udoh as Executive Director of Youth and Girls Child Education Network.

RIGHTS GROUP LAUDS GOV ENO OVER PAYMENT OF DOCTORS's SALARIES

By Freshgist 

Right group under the aegis of Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has applauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for the payment of allowances and entitlements of 22 Medical Doctors who were in the employ of the State Ministry of Health for their one year Housemanship at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). 

The rights group made the commendation in a press statement signed by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Comrade Vincent Aluu and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.  

The Center thanked the Governor for responding to its advocacy on the subject matter when the 22 medical doctors paid advocacy visit to the Center on the 25th of July, 2023.

Recalled,  the medical doctors had during their visit to the Center led by Dr. Emekem Akabom narrated their ordeals as House Officers posted to the UUTH from February 2022 to February 2023. 

The doctors had stated that they were engaged to start their services in February 14, 2022 which were to end February 13, 2023 but, they were not posted by the Ministry untill April, 2022 when they were eventually posted to the UUTH. 

They noted that most of them had resumed the same April, 2022, while others were subsequently posted in May, 2022 and June, 2022, explaining that they worked until April 2023 but were paid half salaries for February, 2023 without the salaries for March and April 2023. 

The statement stated that the Center took up the advocacy for the payment of the outstanding salaries' arrears of the doctors and met with the relevant government officials including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Medical Matters, Dr. Ekem John and the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, among others. 

The Center got assurances that the Governor, Pastor Eno had directed that the doctors be paid their salaries' arrears, they made several advocacy visits to the concerned Ministries and Departments of government as follow-ups on the matter until all the doctors received their salaries' arrears last week.

Isong, lauded the Governor for being compassionate and always giving a listening ear to the cries of members of the public, also appreciated the efforts of the Head of Civil Service, SSA to the Governor on Medical Matters and all those who were involved in the resolution of the matter.

The CSO however, urged government officials involved in public records keeping to apply due diligence, and pay attention to details to avoid such anomaly in future. Added that the 22 medical doctors well in their future endeavour and appeals to them to use their profession in the service of mankind and humanity.

GLOBAL HAND WASHING DAY: CSOs re-appeals approval of WASH policies, frameworks in A'Ibom

 

Sanitation officers, illustrating the accurate way of washing our hands 

By Freshgist 

Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, under the aegis of IbomWASH+ cluster have re-appealed to Akwa Ibom Government to approve its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene,WASH, policies and frameworks inorder to improve access to water and basic hygiene in the state.

This is became necessary as the state government has expressed disappointment over the 17%  access by Nigerians to basic hygiene and hand washing facilities.

During the celebration of this year's Global HandWashing Day in Uyo recently, Project Director, Ibom WASH+ Prof Gabriel Umoh  disclosed that the goal requires strong leadership as well as well coordinated effort, based on well articulated policies and frameworks. 

Umoh said that the overall goal of IbomWASH+ was to improve the performance of the state's WASH sector hinted that the cluster has continued to engage relevant stakeholders to formulate and pass gender-sensitive and inclusive WASH Policy for the state, develope Open Defecation-free Roadmap for the state; formulate WASH Monitoring and Evaluation framework, push for increase in budgetary allocation and ensure timely release of same to WASH sector

"These facts informed all the efforts we have made for the past 2 years and counting, to work with other stakeholders to put together important WASH policy and frameworks for Akwa Ibom State. 

"These policies and frameworks are:Akwa Ibom State WASH Policy;Akwa Ibom State WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and;Akwa Ibom State Open Defecation-Free Roadmap.These are necessary supporting documents to give effect to the Akwa Ibom Water Sector Law.

"The approval of these important documents is of crucial importance and, we want to use this opportunity to call on the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, to give approval to these documents without further delay. And we hope that the State Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will give sufficient push to get the State Exco to approve the documents." The Project Director explained.

Speaking, the commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation Mrs Enobong Mbobo in a keynote address expressed disappointment with the 17% access to basic hygiene and hand washing facilities in Nigeria.

"From available statistics, access to basic hygiene services (handwashing facilities on premises with soap and water) in Nigeria is very low. According to WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM, 2021) Report, the national average in Nigeria is barely 17%.

"The report also indicates that about 69% of households do not have handwashing facilities available on premises, 8% of households have handwashing stations within households, while only about 4% of the population are likely to practice proper handwashing with water and soap at critical times." Mbobo said.

The commissioner maintained that poor hand hygiene practices have played a significant negative role in heath, livelihood, and sustainability for the lives of millions, especially children and vulnerable groups with limited access to WASH facilities. 

"Children are kept out of schools, preventable deaths in medical centers occur and millions of girls and women suffer in shame as a result of not being able to manage their menstrual hygiene needs." She said.

Mbobo explained that handwashing with soap remained an important habit to advocate for as it is linked to about 48% reduction in the risk of endemic diarrhea: 16-21% reduction in risk of acute respiratory infection, 50% reduction of pneumonia, and substantial reduction in neonatal infections. 

She expressed optimism that with strong political leadership demonstrated through improved budget and visibility; strong enabling environment resulting in strengthened systems as well as increased supply and demand through public awareness and behaviour change, the gaps in access and practice to achieve hand hygiene for all could be closed soon.

"Everyone needs to be reminded that clean hands are within reach. That is, it is available and affordable. The burden of poor hygiene practice is for everyone as when women and children take ill, men bear the burden.

"To achieve hand hygiene for all in line with SDG 6, our health, education, correctional, entertainment facilities as well as households and other public places should be equipped with basic hygiene facilities and put to use.

"The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under my watch is ready and available to work with CSOs, NGOs, Development partners and all other critical stakeholders to upscale hand hygiene and other WASH services in order to achieve our desired SDG 6." The commissioner concluded.

IbomWASH+ is a cluster of 6 civil society organizations led by African Human Development Centre (AHDC). Other members include Akwamfon Sustainable Community Association (ASCA), Community Partners for Development (CPD), Society for Water and Sanitation in Nigeria (NEWSAN), Akwa Ibom Chapter, Better Future Initiative (BFI) and Gender Advocacy and Rural Development Education in Nigeria (GARDEN) Initiative.

Don Raises Alarm over increase in Breast Cancer, Infant Mortality In Nigeria.

 

Prof Noel Wannang, Clinical Pharmacist and  council member West African Post- graduate college of Pharmacy

By Freshgist 

A university Don and a renowned Clinical pharmacist, Prof Noel Wannang has Urged Pharmacist in Nigeria to unite and change the narrative in the Health sector.

Recall that Nigeria is currently maintaining the first spot in breast cancer disease in the West Africa region. In the same vein, the country is also second only to the neighboring Niger Republic on the issue of infant mortality

Presenting a key note address during the Pharmacy week seminar held by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state chapter , theme: “Pharmacists Strengthening the Health Systems” on Thursday in Uyo the state capital, the university Don, gave the above statistics, added that  “life expectancy in Nigeria now stands at 60 years for males and 64 years for females, infant mortality stands at 54. 74 deaths per 1000 live births which places Nigeria only second to Niger republic.”

While addressing the participants at the event, Prof. Wannag who is also a council member West African Post- graduate college of Pharmacy lamented that health outcomes remain poor in Nigeria despite higher expenditure since 2001 stressing that better outcomes are seen in countries with equivalent and lower expenditure.

 The Don highlighted that non natal mortality rate globally and with 640 daily deaths, Nigeria’s ranks second to India in the world.

He added, “Maternal mortality rate stagnated at 290,000 annually since 2015, it is sad to say that India and Nigeria rank for 1st and 2nd respectively”.

He urged Pharmacists to strengthen health system in ways that achieve more equitable and sustainable improvements to health outcome with requites technical and political knowledge and action.

According to him, “Pharmacists should transform practice, science and education and workforce. They should acquire leadership skills to lead and change the healthcare system in Nigeria.

“They should have overall interest to develop model for patient safety adding  that there is no health without drugs or hospital with prayers department"

Prof wannag advocated for a strong health system with effective policies, oversight and accountability with special attention to system design and appropriate regulation.

He opined “Pharmacists in the world must participate in the development of the framework that advance the delivery of effective and safe healthcare and ensure access to high quality medicines”.

He noted that a strong health system needs adequate funds so that people can use the services they need and afford to pay for those services.

On her part, The State Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt highlighted the importance of advocacy in ensuring the success of the job of pharmacists, also explained that Akwa ibom state will soon have a drug information centre.

According to her, “Drug Information Centre is one of the requirement from World Health Organisation from developing countries.  In Nigeria, currently we have very few and Akwa Ibom State do not have drug Information Centre for now.

 She further intoned, “What the center offers is enormous, It is avenue for communication and publicity, there will be publications and enlightenment campaigns, it will also serve as point for research and critical support management. 

“The drug Information centre can help us collate data, one of the biggest challenges we have in Nigeria is data. "The Drug Information Centre will help in policy making, research and help in giving direction to our health drive.  Akwa Ibom people will be the biggest beneficiary when established”

On the Challenges faced by Pharmacists, the chairman explained, “They are enormous we are grossly underutilized, we are trained in so many areas but outside the society, it is difficult for us to fit in properly in the scheme of things, that is because there is overlap of functions in the health sector which is not good. A patient seeking healthcare intervention should be able to get the best from every healthcare worker”.

She further averred “There is a challenge of pharmacists importing practically every raw materials which we call active pharmaceutical ingredients, we import it with high foreign exchange which keep soaring the value of the products well beyond the reach of the common man on the street to access basic health care and high cost of drugs will definitely hamper effective health care coverage”.

The state chairman acknowledged the issue of the pharmacy consultancy cadre as another worrisome development, “It has been on for sometimes and it is being difficult to accept though accepted in some States and at the Federal level but yet to be implemented”.

“Therefore, you have pharmacists who have finished the basic training, go ahead to specialize but still regarded as fresh graduates.  We have consultants in the field of public health and clinical pharmacy, community pharmacy but they are not utilized and still regarded as first-degree holders.  "That is a big challenge facing us. We also have the Japa syndrome affecting pharmacists as poor remuneration brings poor recognition, we have pharmacist passing out without a place to do their mandatory one-year internship which is part of their training. We have also have unfavorable policies that do not support local capacity building”.

On what she hopes to achieve, she reiterated, As an administration, we set out to achieve three main things, one is to complete the drug information Centre and our secretariat, increase advocacy and our presence at the Policy table and be part of the people who formulate policies for our association, over the years non Pharmacists have been doing that.  We are doing a lot to create awareness on the functions of the pharmacists.  It may surprise you that even some well-schooled people do not know the role of pharmacists. In the last one year, we participated in the development of the ARISE Agenda blueprint.  For the first-time government recognized our worth and contributions. We are moving in the right direction”.

In his goodwill message, Mr Adedoyin Nuredeen, Deputy Commandant Nigeria Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said It is necessary for Akwa Ibom Pharmacists body to work with NDLEA to control, supervise and cutting off supply of illicit drugs by reducing the demand for illicit drugs, engage in the enlightenment of the populace on the psychological, physical and social effects of psychopathic substance in the body, since we know the consequences of these drugs to the body system.

        “Drugs demand reduction calls for multi-sectorial approaches involving qualified personnel like pharmacists for education on health issues in order to achieve the needed target and result. There should be a balanced approach between illict drugs demand reduction and suppression by pharmacist” he added.

Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman planning committee of pharmacy week 2023, Phar Dighenyong Sam Udiminune had described the health system in Nigeria as not only weak but asphyxiated. He listed weak governance, institutions, structures and operational inefficiencies as basic causes of Nigeria's deteriorating health care system.

The occassion was chaired by Dr Chris Eromosele and the event graced by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health/ Personal Physician to the Governor, Dr Emmanuel John and the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Udeme otung, ably represented by the Chairman House committee on Health, Rt. Hon. Moses Essien.

Other dignitaries include the Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Prof. Emmanuel Attih, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Hospital management Board, Pharm. Ubam Etim and the  Director of Pharmaceutical  Services , University  of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Pharm. Bella Etukudo.

A'Ibom govt, PDP denies celebrating Atiku over Tinubu’s CSU certificate

 

By Freshgist 

The Akwa Ibom state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State have dismissed reports that the governor celebrated Atiku Abubakar for his role in the fake certificate saga of President Bola Tinubu at the Chicago State University.

and Mr Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umo Eno, 

had been speculated on social media that Governor Eno, during the PDP stakeholders meeting in the state on Tuesday, celebrated Atiku’s efforts in exposing Tinubu’s alleged fake certificate.

In a statement signed by Publicity Secretary of PDP, Akwa Ibom, Mr. 

Borono Bassey, said the rumour is a malicious intent to drag Eno and the party into a matter that is undergoing the processes of law.

He stated that the matter was sub judice and neither the governor nor the PDP at the state level is competent to comment on it.

He noted 0 that since the governor is not a party on record in the suit, he would only await the court’s judgement, stressing that “he will join in the usual respectful and deferential chorus of ‘As the court pleases!!'”

On his part,  the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umo Eno, Mr Ekerete Udoh, insisted that the governor remained bipartisan saying the report was aimed at smearing the warm relationship that exists between President Tinubu, whom he described as the father of the nation, and his principal.

While challenging the writers to provide video evidence of where the governor made such remarks, the CPS insisted, “At no time, at the PDP Stakeholders’ meeting that took place yesterday, was any such issue as maliciously reported by the faceless reporter, ever tabled or discussed. We challenge the writer to provide recorded evidence of such discussions.

“We wish to reiterate the fact that, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, as a pastor does not engage in small talks. He respects constituted authority, and as a bridge- builder, who has worked across party lines since he was sworn in, would never engage in such partisan glib talks.”

Reactions as Kaduna ministerial nominee collapse during senate screening.

 

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DR PASTOR PAUL ENENCHE VISITS COLLAPSED DUNAMIS CHURCH BUILDING IN MAKURDI

 

By Freshgist 

..."Says-we thank God because It could have been worse

..."Late Resident Pastor was a committed and dedicated servant of God". Dr Eneche

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Pastor Paul Enenche don visit the collapsed Mission branch of him Church for Makurdi.

Na so the MOG tek thank baba God say the tragedy no bin dey too bad.

The Church building wey bin collapsed on early Tuesday morning (at about 1am) wey 5 Pastors of the Church bin dey do night prayers.

Unfortunately,na only the Resident Pastor, Sunny Ezekiel Ahmed wey kpai for the tragedy while 4 others pastor bin escaped the tragedy.

Dr Eneche and him dear wife, Becky, were conducted around the vicinity by Pastors of the Church.

As the other pastors come brief their oga kpatakpata, na so him come dey addressed the members and sympathisers, tok sey, the situation for dey worse but na God wey avert a major tragedy wey for happen to him  people.

As him  mourn the pastor wey kpai, he tok sey the branch pastor bin  dey committed and dedicated to God. Say, even him character bin dey good 💚.

 God's General talk say, nah their nature to commiserate with the family of the Denised among other actions to encourage them whenever such is experienced in Dunamis.

Him thank God say,  the incident no occur for “the 7 hour Liberty Service" wey take place for the Independence Day.

“So we thank God that it did not happen when the Church was filled to overflow.

“But I can assure you that affliction will not rise again.” He urged the people to be strong in Christ and not be despaired.

He come advise other pastors to apply due diligence when them wan build church, him assured members that the church go step up  going forward.

Happy birthday Tessy Diamond 💎💍

 30 hearty cheers to Tessy Diamond 💎, a Nollywood star, very jovial and professional in comedy movies, Guys, wish her well!!