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SPDC’s healthcare drive in Bayelsa State reaches 5000 people
By Abiodun DUROSIMI-ETTI
LAGOS-ABOUT 5000 people in Oloibiri area of Bayelsa State have benefitted from a health outreach organised by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Joint Venture in furtherance of its Health-in-Motion campaign.
The Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Mr. Osagie Okunbor (left) receiving a Special Recognition Award from the President, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Mr. Tony Arabome, at the 47th annual conference of the CIPM held in Abuja on October 15.
Working closely with the Bayelsa State Government, Ogbia Local Government Council and other partners, SPDC took the comprehensive health outreach to 18 communities giving the beneficiaries dental and eye care/surgery, screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and malaria, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, immunisation, pharmaceutical and laboratory services as well as treatment for chronic and minor ailments.
SPDC also used the outreaches to create awareness on the Oloibiri Health Programme, a Shell-sponsored three-year initiative that is expected to promote universal health coverage, strengthen existing health systems, establish learning and operations research, and enhance the social determinants of health in Oloibiri field communities.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health Dr. Ayibatonye Owei flagged off the outreach at Ogbia town on September 10 as he dewormed children and presented Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs) to pregnant women. He said: “This health programme Shell is implementing in Ogbia Local Government Areas is most commendable as no other oil company has done such a thing in Bayelsa State despite many years of oil extraction.”
The health outreach then moved to Kolo Creek communities where the Agholo of Agholo, HRH N.D. Amakuro, expressed joy at diverse health professionals providing quality service to the people. The traditional ruler was happy at the implementation of the Oloibiri Health Programme, and that the Kolo General Hospital was earmarked to serve as the secondary facility/referral centre for the programme.
Some beneficiaries testified to the kind of care they received in the hands of the doctors and nurses. Mrs. Oremediepre, a once active woman leader in the community who was diagnosed with severe myopia (short sighted) for several years, received spectacles to correct her condition. In her words, “Today, I can see well. I am grateful and will always remember Shell for this.”
SPDC’s Regional Community Health Manager, Dr. Akinwumi Fajola commented: “The welcome in Oloibiri has been very warm. I’ve been involved in the Health-In-Motion programme since it began in 2009 and the gratitude and smiles of beneficiaries is enough reward for all the planning and hard work. SPDC has demonstrated tremendous care for the health of the people through the programme.”
The SPDC JV has supported community health projects in the Niger Delta since the 1980s, with equipment and pharmaceutical donations as well as the construction of hospitals and implementation of malaria and HIV/AIDs control programmes. Today, the SPDC JV supports 20 health centres in the region.
A total of 180 market women in Akwa Ibom State have received business grants of ₦100,000 each, courtesy of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) in collaboration with Nka Uforo Iban Washington DC.
The initiative, which spanned nine local government areas, aims to help vulnerable women upscale their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The final phase of the program was held on Saturday at Ete Market in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
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Speaking at the event, Mr. Asukwo Etuk, Chief Technical Officer and Head of Admin at ECEWS, said the project specifically targeted women in dire need of support.
“We were intentional about selecting the most vulnerable women in the state,” Etuk explained. “The grant is meant to empower them to improve their enterprises, ensure their children stay in school, and enhance their overall livelihoods.
“We don’t want a situation where children are seen on the streets hawking when they should be in school. So, our criteria for selecting the beneficiaries included women who struggled to buy items to sell, those earning less than ₦2,000 daily, women from child-headed households, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS or disasters,” he added.
The initiative also included training sessions to help the women effectively manage their businesses. Enobong Inuaeshiet, Manager of Nka Uforo Iban Washington DC, described the program as a partnership committed to creating lasting impact.
“Since September, we have been working across nine local government areas, and this is the last one we are visiting,” Inuaeshiet said. “In addition to providing grants, I train market women on effective business management, customer relationships, and avoiding debt traps.”
She further explained that market leaders are involved in monitoring the beneficiaries to ensure the grants are used appropriately.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke during the event, expressed their appreciation for the support. A trader from Ete Market said, “This support is life-changing. I will use the grant to grow my business and better support my family.”
The empowerment initiative, described as a significant step toward poverty alleviation, is expected to boost economic activities across the state while improving the lives of vulnerable women and their families.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
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