INSIDE DELTA
JUNE 2010
Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has called on stakeholders in the health sector to rise and check the alarming rate of infant mortality and neonatal deaths in the country.
Dr. Uduaghan, who was speaking at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine at Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, said the rate of infant mortality was alarming and now poses a big challenge.
He urged health officials not to allow the ugly trend to continue especially as neonatal and mortality deaths of infants were preventable, explaining that it does not require sophisticated equipment or costly materials to check infant mortality. The Governor said the time has come for the country to see the daily infant mortality rate as a big threat to the nation. His words “the deaths are preventable as it does not require the use of very costly equipments and materials. It is a big challenge and we should not allow it to continue.”
Dr Uduaghan said the State Government has already taken up the challenge and has started implementing a health care scheme that would take care of the pre and post natal health of women from the day of conception to the day of delivery.
He explained that the health programme of the State Government was central to the human capital development agenda of his administration just as he said that it was only when people were healthy that they could go to school and do other things.
Emphasizing that the State was running a free health care scheme for children between ages of one to five years, the Governor said “free maternal health care ensures that women do not pay any fee for drugs and even caesarian operation. Besides we give hundred percent attention to health programmes in the State.”
Dr Uduaghan called for reliable statistical data on health sector, as such data would help Government to plan and cope with health problems in the country. He assured the Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine of his administration’s commitment towards the reduction of infant mortality.
The Governor also promised to adequately support the association to achieve its set objectives. The President of Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine Prof. Rapheal Oruaonabor announced that his association was waging war on infant mortality and neonatal deaths in the country.
Prof. Oruaneabor disclosed that his association would lay emphasis on the training of community health workers to enable them contribute effectively to the neonatal programme. He attributed the major cause of infant mortality to include ignorance, poverty, lack of infrastructure as well as lack of adequate attention to health issues by various tiers of government in the country.
The President, Pediatrics Association of Nigeria, Dr Dorothy Esangbado regretted that sixty percent of infant mortality in the country takes place in the rural communities. Dr Esangbado therefore called on all stakeholders in the health sector to dwell more on preventive medicine in the rural communities to reduce infant mortality and neonatal deaths.
She said her association was concerned about the embarrassing infant mortality rate, adding that unless extra effort were made to meet millennium development goals before the next five years the country could find itself loosing out in the battle against neonatal deaths. The State Commissioner for Health Dr. Joseph Otumara in his speech said the State Government has put a lot of programme in place to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
Dr. Otumara also
said the State Government would key into the Neonatal Community Health
Programme so that all health workers in the state would participate
and benefit from the programme.
Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN) has said that the non-completion of the Asaba International Airport as earlier proposed was not as a result of delay, but due to improvement of facilities to enable it function as both cargo and passenger airport.
Prof Utuama disclosed this while inspecting the airport in company of the Director, in charge of the airport, Mr. Austin Ayemidejor, and the Chairman of ULO Consultants, Chief Uche Okpuno who conducted the deputy governor round the project.
The Deputy Governor noted that the Asaba International Airport when completed is expected to compare favorably with any other airport of its capacity as the runway has been expanded to accommodate three arriving or departing planes simultaneously.
Prof Utuama emphasized that the changes were positive as it served the purpose of perfecting the project and meeting the demands of the Aviation Regulatory Authority and other International stakeholders in aviation industry.
Commenting on the job so far, the Chairman of ULO Consultants, Chief Uche Okpuno, pointed out that there is need for the increase of runway, the concuss, arrival, departure to meet the international standard of modern airports.
Chief Okpuno revealed that the project requires about N20 billion to complete adding that the initial cost of N7 billion was estimated before the State Governor's visit and demanded that the Airport should be up graded to international standard. He said about 75 per cent of the job has been completed.
While commending the State Government for meeting up with their financial obligations in the project, the ULO Chairman stated that they are doing everything possible to deliver a standard airport and to deliver it before the end of this year.
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has challenged teachers to be more dedicated to duty and make necessary sacrifice that will enhance the knowledge passed to their pupils.
Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who decried the mass failure of candidates nationwide in examination especially at the senior school certificate level, said teachers should confront headlong the multifaceted problems in the education sector and partner with government to arrest the ugly trend.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN) at the 55th National Delegate Conference of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Asaba, Governor Uduaghan emphasized that teachers should not only be dedicated to their duties and making necessary sacrifice to enhance knowledge passed to their pupils but also pay attention to the conduct of their pupils.
The Governor recalled that in the good old days, a child feared and respected his teacher more than his parents, but such respect would not come when the teacher abandoned his pupils to go in search of contracts or goes from one office to the other hawking wares or chatting away with friends at a time he is supposed to be busy in the classroom.
Commenting on the theme of the conference "The Future of a Nation Depends on Today's Investment on the Teacher", Governor Uduaghan agreed that there was pressing need for more investments to be made on the teacher since it is the quality of knowledge that he or she has that he or she passes to the children, but emphasized that there is also a dire need for returns on investment made on the teacher.
In his message at the occasion, the President of the NUT said the education system has continued to face serious difficulties as a result of the uncoordinated nature of government policies and actions, coupled with the absolute neglect of the teachers.
The NUT President who was making his valedictory address as the out-going President of NUT, said the infrastructural facilities in schools remain dilapidated all over the country, laboratories and libraries are common features in schools, instructional material are grossly lacking while teacher's development and welfare are yet to the given due attention.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the NLC, represented by the Deputy President, Mr. Peters Adeyemi called on President Goodluck Jonathan to revisit those key recommendations of the Uwais Committee that the executive earlier rejected.
The
high point of the programme was the declaring open of the 55th National
Delegate Conference by the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN).
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Delta state Chapter has expressed support for the “One Man One Vote” campaign of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Delta State to ensure that it produces a peaceful,credible and acceptable elections.
The Secretary of
(CAN) Venerable Palmer Melekwe who disclosed this when the Association
led by the chairman, archbishop God-do-Well Awomakpa, paid a courtesy
visit to the Governor, in Asaba, yesterday implored him to ensure that
voter registration be made accessible to Christians and the general
public.
Explaining further he said that the utmost desire of CAN was to ensure
that Delta state conduct the most credible and peaceful elections in
the country saying “The era of stealing and running away with
ballot boxes is over”.
Venerable Palmer Melekwe said that CAN was determined to ensure that an idol worshipper, a corrupt and insensitive individual do not occupy the throne of Delta state any more, adding that the Association appreciated the governor for demonstrating that the Church in the State belongs to his constituency by appointing some of her members into official positions.
He explained that the Governor has always given them audience, supported the association/her programmes financially and in other respect Venerable Melekwe also used the opportunity to present the Association’s request to the governor to include the upgrading of the office of Special Adviser on Religious affairs Rev. Godspower Agbuduta to a Ministry.
Also CAN wanted members appointed into the State Cabinet as well as increase in the number of slots given to CAN by the Christian Prigrim Board. Saying “we are using this opportunity to remind you that no CAN members have been appointed into your Cabinet”.
In a brief remark, Governor Uduaghan assured Christians that by God's grace his administration would conduct a free and fair elections even as he explained that the state belongs to God and will continue to recognize God in all she does.
Dr. Uduaghan said the success recorded so far in the state has the finger of God in it and explained that since the inception of the state she has anchored on God saying “Nobody dare come to Government House to suggest things or give advice that are not godly. I can assure you that in the past three years nobody has come to suggest or give any ungodly advice to me because they know our stand”.
The Governor commended Christian leaders in the state for their concern and participation in the management of the state to ensure the success of his administration. “I appreciate Christian leaders in this state for being involved in the management of the state not only by praying and fasting but by intervening in ensuring peace and security in the state”.
He noted that most
religious bodies and leaders have keyed into the empowerment programme
of the Government to help improve the welfare of Deltans which in turn
has boosted the economy of the state.
Speaking further, he promised to meet the request of the Association
and announced an increase in the slot given to CAN members for Jerusalem
Prigrims from 40 to 100.
He announced that
the state government would organize a thanks giving service and reception
in honour of Primate of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh for
his recent elevation.
The governor, who had a thanksgiving service, Sunday at the Bethesda Gospel Mission Church lrri, said God took control of the events that characterized the visit as everything went well according to plans without hindrance.
He stated that some people had planned to disrupt the visit by sending misleading text messages to Deltans that the visit has been cancelled as the President would not honour the state’s invitation.
Governor Uduaghan said God gave Delta a fair weather throughout the duration of the visit and as such he has every reason to thank God adding that he can have his thanksgiving in any church and called on christians to have the attitude of praising God in every situation of their lives.
“I have decided to come and thank God today (20/06/10) for the successful hosting of the President despite all the hitches that took place. God fought a great battle for me regarding this visit and made everything to go well without problem.l have every cause to thank him. Everyone in this church should join Delta State to thank God for a successful hosting of Mr. President.”
The governor was presented with a Bible and a book on the history of Pentecostal Churches in Delta state.
He
promised to ensure that the book will be used by all the schools in the
state and bought 10 copies with the sum of #2 million for the Government
House, Asaba.
Dr, Uduaghan who gave this charge at lrri in lsoko South Local Government area of the state, during the 38th Anniversary of Bethesda Gospel Mission and the 80th birthday celebration of the founder of the church, Archbishop Christian Apena, said the state government cannot develop the state alone.
He explained that the state has wealthy sons and daughters who can invest in their villages to empower the people disclosing that the state was providing the infrastructure to encourage such development.
“I am calling on wealthy lsoko indigenes and Deltans outside the state to come back home and invest. Government cannot do it alone, we are providing the infrastructure, come and assist the government to empower the people”, he stated
The governor disclosed that the government would partner Bethesda Gospel Mission in lrri in building capacity since it is the church’s vision to develop human capital which is in line with his administration’s agenda.
He appealed to lrri community to seek peace and resolve the differences that exist among them which has resulted to family and communal crisis, stressing that his administration was committed to ensuring peace in the state in tandem with his agenda of peace and security.
He promised them especially the youth of the community that the state government was handling the issue and would ensure that lasting peace was restored to the community.
Said he:“I appeal to you to put behind you any grievance, let us be at peace, enough is enough. Let peace return to lrri and lsoko land.l want us to settle the matter amicably in peace. The future of this country belongs to the youth, l want the youth in this community to settle the issue at stake in peace. I will help you out since the matter is before the government so that we can move this state forward.”
He explained that violence does not enhance the growth of any community or state saying “ l appeal to you to put whatever is causing this crisis in the community behind you and forge ahead as a united entity.”
In a welcome address the founder of Bethesda Gospel Mission Archbishop Apena commended the governor for the good work he is doing in the state especially in ensuring that peace reigned in lrri community for the past one month.
He explained that the three point agenda of this administration was actualizing the aspirations of Deltans and advised him to continue in his developmental stride for the state.
“Your three point agenda captures the aspirations of Deltans and you are actualizing this dream to become reality in the state. I will like you to set a standard which no other governor that will come after you will beat. You have been given the time, try to make your mark”, Apena stated
He advised that there should be collaboration between the government and churches as it will help to build a viable state adding that his church has achieved much in building capacity especially in the educational sector through the establishment of primary, secondary and tertiary institution to train teachers.
He also noted that his church has liaised with some institutions abroad to provide them with books and solicited the state government support in building a modern library that would house the books yet to arrive.
Highpoints of the ceremony were a special prayer for the governor, his family and state, and the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant.
Delta State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN) has made a strong case for the development of adequate indigenous human capital to explore and manage the country’s petroleum resources.
Utuama, a professor of law, receiving the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Muhammad Ilyasu Bashar (rtd), who is also the Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, on a courtesy call on Thursday in Asaba, observed that lack of adequate manpower for the petroleum industry has dire consequences for the economy of the country.
“Let me thank the Federal Government who decided to establish the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Delta State.It is a university that is very central to the survival of this nation because 90 per cent of our economy is derived from petroleum resources.
“If you do not en-panel studies into petroleum resources, it means you are going to manage these resources in ignorance. Managing them in ignorance can only ensure their quick depletion to our own peril and our own future.
“Therefore a forum where we can undertake scientific studies, administrative studies in the management of these resources can only promote the economy and sustainability of our country.” Utuama told the visiting emir that the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development were strategic to the growth and development of the petroleum industry.
“ So this is a very wise decision and Delta State under the able leadership of the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has evolved a three point agenda, agenda of peace and security, education enhances peace, …. human capital development agenda and off course infrastructural development,” he said.
Bashar, who was on a maiden visit to the university, pleaded with the state government to put pressure on the federal government to pay particular attention to the institution because of its place in the growth and development of the country.
He also used the
occasion to call on leadership at various levels to work towards the
unity and peace of the country, imploring particularly religious leaders
to avoid provocative utterances that were capable of inflaming their
followers.
Teachers serving in the rural areas of Delta State now enjoy special incentives The state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who disclosed this when the President of NLC, Comrade Abdul Waheed Umar led the National Executive of Nigerian Union of Teachers to pay him a courtesy call in Asaba, adding that the incentive was designed to encourage teachers to lay solid foundation of academic excellence in the rural areas.
Dr. Uduaghan said teachers were critical to human capital development and that measures would continue to be put in place to encourage them to improve the standard of education in the rural areas to what obtains in urban centers. He said without the contribution of the teachers to the socialization of the children there will be a yawning gap in the development of the nation.
Ascertaining that he was passionately interested in the affairs of teachers, Dr. Uduaghan urged them to put in their best and assist in accelerating economic growth in the state. His words “ Human capital development rest squarely on the shoulders of teachers. Without teachers laying foundation for our children, there is nothing we can achieve.”
He spoke about his
early life education and how he attended a rural primary school, explaining
that the foundation laid for him in those years prepared him to boldly
face challenges in the education sector.
The governor used the occasion to commend labour leaders in the country
for their ingenuity in conflict resolution.
Dr. Uduaghan said that labour leaders were great managers of crisis even as he explained that such gift has reduced industrial relations problems in the country. He congratulated the NUT for its successful delegates conference just as he said the successfully conducted conference was an indication of how disciplined the union was.
In his remarks, the NUT President who is also the President of NLC, said Delta State was chosen for the conference because the state was peaceful and teacher friendly.
Comrade Umar commended the governor for promoting the welfare of teachers and for creating mutual relationship and goodwill between the state government and teachers. He said there was so far no negative report against the state adding that it has all been positive reports.
The NLC President
said the conference was unique for him as it was not only that he was
elected National Chairman of NUT in Asaba but was also handing over
to a successor in Asaba.
Omar and Oyelekan who spoke when they jointly paid the Governor a courtesy call in Asaba, at the weekend, said they were amazed at the level of infrastructural development going on in the state.
While Omar said activities on ground showed the zeal and commitment of Dr. Uduaghan to turn things around in the state, Oyelekan said the Governor’s achievement within the short space of time demonstrates his love for his people.
Oyelekan who led the executive of National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees to the visit said Dr. Uduaghan has greatly transformed the state and turned the pages of history in their favour.
Explaining that he has read about the achievements of the Governor, the labour leader outlined the projects he read about to include the airport, streetlight, good network of roads, electricity and bridges among others.
Oyelekan who commended the steadfastness and vision of the Governor said his union plans to establish a branch of Solidarity Infinity Venture Limited in Asaba where products will be sold directly on wholesale and retail to the public at moderate prices.
He also disclosed that his Union will establish its regional office and a guest house in Asaba. The NLC President on his part said beside the general achievement of the governor he was particularly impressed by the goodwill and rapport existing between labour and the State Government
Omar said friendly relation between Labour and Government will boast the morale and enhance workers' productivity.
In his remarks, Governor Uduaghan commended the labour unions for stabilizing the polity in the country noting that labour's contribution to the survival of democracy in the country has been remarkable.
Dr. Uduaghan who made the appeal when a delegation of Delta Diaspora Direct (D3) led by Dr. Ejeviome Otobo, United Nations Deputy Head of Peace Building Support Office paid visit to him in Asaba, said they should be seriously involved in capacity building and environmental issues affecting Delta State.
He urged them bring in their professional expertise to assist in some of the daunting challenges facing the state. “I want you to contribute towards the development of the state. I want you to also move fast and bring in your expertise,” the governor said and promised that the State will support “in every way possible.”
Dr. Uduaghan said apart from capacity building and environmental issues they should also attract investors to the state that would harness the natural resources and mineral deposits that abound.
The Governor also commended the interest that Dr. Otobo has personally shown in the affairs of the state emphasizing that the successes recorded by the State Government in climate change was as a result of the personal efforts of the UN Deputy Director. His words: “Dr. Otobo has helped this state tremendously ... He made it possible for Delta State to participate in discussing issues of climate change with United Nations officials and we are richer and better placed by that singular move, I appreciate him".
The leader of the delegation of Delta Diaspora Direct, Dr. Ejeviome Otobo said they were in the state to discuss with vital departments in the State and to identify capacity building needs of the state.
Dr. Otobo said Delta Diaspora Direct will bring to the state a network of support both in capacity building and in investment.
He also promised to canvass for educational exchange programmes as well as render assistance in diversifying the tax potentials of the state to improve revenue yields.
The leader of the Delta Diaspora Direct said they were interested in providing the cornerstone for growth and promised to initiate processes which will open the doors for foreign investors to tap the abundant resources in the state.
He commended the governor for his frankness and for his desire to accelerate the growth of infrastructure in the state.
Dr. Uduaghan who stated this while inaugurating a six-man planning Committee to work out modalities on the take off of the Institutions, explained that his administration was committed to meeting the educational needs of the riverine and remote areas of the state.
He noted that the people in those areas have been deprived of Higher Education
for a long time adding that his administration was committee to building
human capital to meet the challenges of growth and development of the
state.
“I have no fear at all about the funding of these institutions.
We have been talking about industrializing the state, we have to prepare
our youths to work in these industries. There is no political interest
in establishing and locating these institutions in specified areas, it
is to give equal opportunity to the youths in the state”.
The
governor, called on stakeholders to cooperate with the committee in order
to achieve the target as the task given them was for the development of
the state saying “these schools are sited in remote and riverine
areas to bring development to the area and improve their standard of living.
I appeal to stakeholders to cooperate with the planning committee. I want
to assure Deltans that there is no cause to worry, with God on our side
we will succeed”.
Speaking further, he said the institutions were established for the self
development of the youths as his administration was committed to the building
of human capital which was basic for building a solid future for the youths.’’
He
expressed satisfaction on the host communities’ readiness to ensure
the smooth take-off of the institutions as temporary structures have been
put in place and are prepared to ensure the success of the planning committee.
In a brief response, Chairman of the committee and Hon. Commissioner for
Higher Education Dr. Hope Eghagha pledged their loyalty to the Governor
and promised on behalf of his colleagues to do their best in performing
the task assigned them.
He noted that the institutions were established to also meet the growing
admission problems in the state stressing that about 27,000 students apply
for Polytechnic admission annually with only 4,000 youths being admitted.
“We believe that these four institutions will drive development
in these areas. It will have a multiplier effect on the state”.
The four Polytechnics are located at Aboh, Abigborodo, Bomadi and Sapele.
Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has enjoined royal fathers in the country to critically review some of the dehumanizing and harmful traditions which expose widows to health hazards.
The Governor who was speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the master care foundation, a pet project of his wife in Asaba said widows were frequently exposed to harmful cultures that has negative health implications
He said widows were
made to eat with unwashed plates and kept in isolation for days without
bathing.
Questioning the rationale behind forcing a widow to drink from the water
used in cleaning the corpse of her husband, the governor said the health
implication of such an exercise was grave.
Dr. Uduaghan therefore charged royal fathers to check such unprogressive culture so that widows who are mourning and are traumatized are treated with care and respect. He said royal fathers who are the custodians of our culture should preach against such unprogressive and archaic tradition which could spell doom for widows.
The governor also challenged the master care foundation to fight against the harmful cultures which the society perpetuate against widows. Dr. Uduaghan said the foundation could do this through adequate sensitization of women who are really the main target of the unprogressive cultures.
Speaking further he said “carry out crusades against these cultures because they are harmful to women. You should be social reformers and fight against dehumanizing cultures.” He used the occasion to emphasize the need for women to embrace the free maternal health care of his administration.
Dr. Uduaghan said the free health care programme would reduce infant mortality rate and enable pregnant women deliver safely. The governor told the pathetic story of a pregnant woman who lost her baby because she could not afford medical bill of caesarian operation and went to a quack who handled the case badly and the baby was lost.
He said the essence of the free maternal health care was to check such ugly incidents and urged pregnant women to identify with government’s good-will so that the exercise would not be a sham. Dr. Uduaghan who pledged his administrations commitment towards the master care foundation said the laudable project would accelerate his human capital development programme.
The Governor who commended his wife for the vision said women through the programme would not only be engaged economically but will be self reliant. His words “The master care project would boost commercial activities. It would engage women and make them to fend for themselves. Indeed they will be self reliant.”
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has said that the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was “sadenning and unfortunate”.
Reacting to the death of the President, the governor said it was painful that the President did not recover after he took seriously ill last November. However, Uduaghan noted that the late President lived a courageous and fulfilled public life recalling Yar’Adua’s determination to enthrone rule of law and due process in the nation’s polity.
“This is sad , unfortunate and painful for us as a nation. For we the people of Niger Delta region, he will be remembered for the initiative and passion for peace in the region through the Amnesty programme”,he stated.
The Governor also recalled that the late President against stiff opposition from a tiny minority bent on perpetuating their selfish interest, conceded to the amnesty programme and ten percent equity for oil producing communities.
"Yar'Adua for us in the Niger Delta region was like a saint. Never have we seen a President who pursued the interest of the region like he did. Apart from choosing Acting President Goodluck Jonathan as his deputy, he took several courageous decisions, including the creation of the Niger Delta ministry, for which the people remain eternally grateful", he noted.
Uduaghan therefore enjoined Nigerians to use the President’s death as a basis to forge ahead together as one nation irrespective of religious, ethnic or political leanings.
He
condoled the family , the people and government of Katsina State where
the late Yar'Adua hailed from and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, praying
that God Almighty will grant all the fortitude to bear the great loss.