By Cyprian  Ebele, Onitsha 

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi has described health as critical foundation of growth and development of any society.

Obi stated this during a visit to the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital Irefi Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He expressed satisfaction over humanitarian disposition and team spirit of the health personnel in the facility towards saving lives, especially free heart surgeries for hundreds of patients in the hospital.

Describing the world class medical facility as very impressive, Obi praised the benefactor, Sir Emeka Okwuosa for the initiative and benevolence, urging other spirited individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture.

He said, “I’m very impressed with what I saw today. I’ve said it severally, this kind of facility is what we need to replicate in other sectors by well meaning individuals. 

“If we have the kind of doctors I saw here working as a team and saving lives, you can imagine what our country will look like.

“Health is a critical thing. I’ve always said it, health is the foundation of development. Once you have health and education, and you’re able to pull people out of poverty, you’re developing. That’s all is required.

“Here we are seeing those voluntarily caring for people, especially the poor and indigent. I really appreciate the man behind the success stories, Sir Emeka Okwusa for the great work and ask him to keep the flag flying.”

Earlier, Executive Director of Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, Chidimma Okoye said the hospital, since two years of inception had carried out 117 open hearts surgery for adults and pediatrics, at an estimated cost of $457,089,129

She said 47 of the free surgeries were children, while 70 subsidized were adults, carried out by over 83 health personnel.

She said, “The Foundation, in partnership with Vincent Ohaju Obioma Memorial (VOOM) Foundation 6th Biannual medical mission is involved in open heart surgery for pediatrics and adults.

“Aside our general OPD, we run missions twice a year, one in May and another in September/October or sometimes in October/November.

“During the mission, we center on cadiothoracic surgery with renowned surgeons. Here we have state-of-the-art equipment, including cath lab, which we pride in. This is the only hospital in this area that is well equipped. 

“As at the last count, we’ve carried out 117 open hearts surgeries for adults and pediatrics, with 70 for the former and 47 for the later.

“For pediatrics, it’s totally free of charge while adults are done on subsidized cost. But even with the subsidy, only 5 patients could afford to pay. 

“After assembling over 83 doctors, nurses, anesthesiologist, among others to the country for these tasks, if we don’t have people capable of funding the surgery, we’re left with no option than to throw our doors open.

“That’s why for the past few days, all the adults we handled their cases were operated free of charge. If the patients were to pay, we should be talking about over $457,089,129 from May 2022 to May 2024.”

Asked how the hospital was able to assemble such huge foreign medical workforce, the Executive Director said the health workers were driven by passion to giving back to the society. 

“They voluntarily take out their vacation time to offer this free life changing surgery services, instead of choice of Hawaii or Dubai. Outside their local tickets, we take adequate care of their feeding, accommodation and security. 

“It is worthy to note that this facility runs on 24hours diesel all through the 3weeks period of operations. We don’t want to run the risk of epileptic power supply that can lead to casualties,” she added.

On the criteria for patients’ admission, Okoye said admission was essentially on the nature of the surgery to be determined by the surgeons, devoid of favoritism and tribalism.

“Last October, we were flooded with 120 families across the country but the team on ground was only able to operate on 15. 

“Even though most of the patients that visit here are indigent, we still screen them basically on how critical the case is. Besides, our surgeons determines the cases we handle. There’s absolutely no favoritism or tribalism. 

“We handle patients from all parts of the country, as long as the child runs through evaluations and the surgeons certify the child. Meanwhile, we’re time bound because the surgeons have limited time they spend at the facility.

Expressing assurances of support from the visitor, and former governor of Anambra State, Okoye solicited collaboration of other donors to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Her words, “Today, we received His Excellency who was at the facility to see the equipment, the patients and what we’re doing. Each mission cost us N500million for logistics. Leaving it for one man alone will definitely be heavy burden on him. So we need partners.

“We’re also embarking on aggressive publicity through our social media handles, digital media and influencers to ensure more persons get to know about the facility. 

“We had this last child in the ICU who was a miracle and we’re proud of that. I’m particularly thrilled that the surgeons didn’t lose hope in the process. 

“The child is so happy. The father was here yesterday, shedding tears of joy. These are the things that make me happy, as well as gives me pleasure and courage to continue pushing on.

“I’m very fulfilled because saving lives has been my passion. This is my 17 years of experience. I travel to remote countries and states rendering these live-saving service

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State Yakubu Lawi Sumi, on Saturday, lauded the Achievements Of the state governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir over the last five years since assumed office in 2019.

Govenor Bala was re-elected during the 2023 general elections to serve for a second and final term of four years. 

The local government chairman, Lawi Sumi in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Bauchi, to celebrate Governor Bala’s 66th birthday anniversary, described him as a leader who has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership over the years. 

He attributed the restoration of peace and security in Bauchi state to the efforts of the Bala-led administration. 

Also the construction of roads in all the 20 local government that formed the state, construction of two fly over, changing the state government house to become like America, upgrading the standard level of education, health, agriculture, provision of enough water supply, women and youth empowerment, others.

The birthday message reads: “On behalf of my family and the entire good people of Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, we wish to congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on the occasion of his 66 birthday anniversary.

“Your Excellency, On this occasion of your birthday, we extend our warmest greetings and congratulations to you. Today, we celebrate not only the passage of another year in your life but also the celebration of an icon and a mentor par excellence you have inspired many of us in our personal and professional journeys and instilled in us the values of integrity, perseverance and service to our people.

“Happy 66th Birthday to His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, CON, Governor of Bauchi State. As you celebrate this milestone, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength and passion for serving Bauchi State and our fatherland”

“Your Excellency, the good people of Bogoro Local Government described you as a great leader whose ideas and contributions to the state, nation and humanity in general remain a reference point in the positive discourse of Nigeria’s progress, unity, and stability.

“Your Excellency, the quality of leadership you demonstrated in your political career have continued to inspire the younger generation to commit to the growth and development of Bauchi State and the nation.

“Your accomplishment and contribution to the good people of Bauchi State and your commitment to the cause of progress have become a turning point to the future generations in the state and Nigeria at large.

According to the chairman, Sumi said that “May you also continue to be blessed with doggedness, dedication, and commitment to supporting our people, in making Bauchi State great.

The Bogoro council boss, surveyor Yakubu Lawi Sumi prays to the Almighty God that may the days of governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir ahead be filled with joy and success. 

By Maxwell Nwafor, Akwa-ibom 

Voters who arrived at various polling units in Akwa Ibom State to vote their candidate at the state local government elections have expressed dismay that election materials are yet to arrive up till 11am.

The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC had announced that accreditation and voting would start by 8am and possibly end by 2:30pm or when the last person on the queue votes.

However, at 11:05 when our correspondent visited some of the polling units in Uyo metropolis and Itu local government, election materials were yet to arrive and few voters especially women were seen chatting while young boys were just playing football on the road.

At unit 2 ward 11, village council hall of Atai Ibiaku, Itu local government area of the state, pastor Gideon Edidem regretted that even three hours behind schedule, AKISIEC was yet to bring election materials.

“AkISIEC is not matured like INEC, despite all the preparations and assurances, nothing has happened untill this moment. We are here waiting for them, we learnt that they’ve not even left the office.” 

A Seventy Five year old Augusta Edem who came out to vote at the village hall decried the late arrival of materials.

At Unit 001 ward 14, Uyo local government, no electoral officer or police officer was seen in the area but only voters who were in clusters discussing.

Rita Archibong, the unit Coordinator told journalists  that they would wait till materials arrive.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has announced a shift in the date of the LG election following an appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

The shift was made known during  stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday in Calabar, by CROSIEC Chairman Ekong Edet Boco in his office in Calabar 

CROSIEC had initially fixed October 26, 2024 as the date for the local government election in the state until IPAC made an appeal for a shift that was later granted them

Boco explained that the decision was made to ensure a fair and credible electoral process, resulting in a one-week extension for the elections.

The local government council elections in the state are now scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2024, with campaign activities concluding on Friday, November 1, 2024.

In response, the IPAC chairman expressed appreciation for the commission’s actions, viewing them as a positive move towards achieving free, fair, and credible elections. 

He emphasized that the commission’s willingness to listen to the public’s voice marks a significant step forward for democracy in the state, instilling confidence that all political parties will have an equal opportunity to contest and serve the people of the State.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, Wednesday  in his office, held discussions with the leadership of Inter-Party Advisory Council in the State in preparation for the upcoming local government elections.

Accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Governor acceded to IPAC’s request for a revision in the fees for Chairmanship and Councillorship forms as stipulated in the amended State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) law.

According to the CROSIEC Law, Chairmanship candidates are required to pay N5 million for the form, while Councillorship candidates must pay N1 million.

In response to the appeal, Governor Otu acknowledged the challenging economic circumstances faced by all due to ongoing federal government reforms. 
He encouraged perseverance, assuring that positive outcomes are imminent and will lead to economic improvements.

 Without deviating from CROSIEC’s regulations, the state governor proposed reducing the fee to N1 million for Chairmanship candidates and N200,000 for Councillorship candidates. 

He pledged that the government  will cover the balance to CROSIEC and ensure compliance with the law.

Governor Otu affirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, people-centered policies, and a fair electoral process for the local government elections.

IPAC’s state Chairman, Engr. Edet Effiom of Action People’s Party APP, accompanied by over 15 other chairmen of different political parties who are IPAC members, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s democratic values. 

They assured continued support as long as the administration upholds good governance practices, demonstrating IPAC’s dedication to the state’s developmental goals.