LASU’s 87th Inaugural Lecture: Don advocates peace education as panacea to industrial disputes

Success Damian:

Professor Akanji Rafiu Bankole, Professor of Industrial Conflict and Human Resource Management of Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU) has called for Peace Education as panacea to constant industrial disputes in Nigeria.

He said “Peace education should be incorporated into the orientation programmes (induction course) of both public and private organisations to enable the workers to acquire the skills required for the maintenance of peace in the workplace.”

Prof. Bankole took the stand while delivering the 87^th Inaugural Lecture Series of the Lagos State University (LASU) at Ojo, Lagos State on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

Titled Train the Operators the Machine Shall Produce the Desired Outcome: ‘The Human Resource Management Perspective’, Prof Bankole further stated that government at all levels should encourage the effective use of all identified skills in the conflict management processes particularly among labour leaders by organizing regular training programmes on the skills for them.

He added that employers of labour should complement government efforts by organizing similar training programmes for members of their management that represent them during the negotiation processes with the trade union leaders, adding that the two Federations of Trade Unions, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) could equally follow suit by organizing either joint or separate training programmes on the identified generic skills for the leadership of their affiliated trade unions.

Further in his recommendation, Prof. Bankole said that the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) could also join the train by organizing workshops on the conflict management skills for its members. He added that the government through the office of the Registrar of Trade Unions should formulate and enforce a policy that will make it mandatory for all labour leaders especially those at National and industrial levels to attend training programmes on the behaviour modification skills as soon as they are sworn into office. “The government through the office of the Registrar of Trade Unions should formulate and enforce a policy that will make it mandatory for all labour leaders especially those at National and industrial levels to attend training programmes on the behaviour modification skills as soon as they are sworn into office,” he stated.

He said employers of labour should encourage and assist their workers financially to update their knowledge educationally through part-time degree programmes, sandwich or distance learning programmes organised by tertiary institutions in Nigeria or through the National Open University system. He stated that this suggestion became necessary because the low literacy level of some labour leaders is found to be responsible for their deficiencies in communication skills which is one of the skills required to enhance conflict-handling behaviours of labour leaders.

Prof. Bankole advised that a centre for conflict management and peace studies should be established in Lagos State University as one of the leading universities in Nigeria, where people could come to undertake certificate programmes on conflict management and peace studies. “Most importantly, a centre for conflict management and peace studies should be established in Lagos State University as one of the leading universities in Nigeria, where people could come to undertake certificate programmes on conflict management and peace studies.”

He added that as Professor of industrial conflict and human resource management, conflict per se is not inherently dysfunctional nor naturally destructive rather its outcome depends largely on how it is handled or managed by the parties involved in the conflict. In essence, a conflict that is promptly, skillfully and effectively managed from the onset by the parties can bring about a myriad of functional consequences.

He spoke on conflict mode instrument which is based on five conflict management styles: competing, accommodating, avoiding, compromising and collaborating. He also identified two major types of negotiation patterns, namely: Positional Negotiation Pattern and Collaborative Negotiation Pattern. Explaining Positional Negotiation Pattern he said this pattern of negotiation is premised on the aggressive pursuit of interests by conflicting parties; hence, it is typically adversarial and competitive in nature. Parties involved in conflict make demands that are inconsiderate of the interest and needs of other parties and this makes it extremely difficult for the interests of both parties to be mutually satisfied.

He said positional negotiation pattern encourages parties in conflict to perceive each other as enemies in competition. Thus, the pattern promotes a win-lose outcome instead of working towards a mutually beneficial outcome. And because the pattern is characteristically judgmental, confrontational and aggressive, there is always stalemate (deadlock) whenever it is applied. Unfortunately, he said, “This is the pattern often adopted by labour leaders, management representatives and/or government representatives in our industrial relations space.” While the collaborative negotiation pattern is a process where the conflicting parties or the disputants attempt to enlighten each other about their needs and concerns, and both parties search for the best ways to solve their differences in such a manner that the interests of both parties are mutually satisfied and their fears allayed. This pattern is more appropriate and effective than the positional negotiation pattern because it is based on mutual understanding and feelings aimed at building a sustainable cordial relationship between the two social actors.

Speaking on the Dynamics of Industrial Conflict, he said Conflict as a phenomenon is dynamic hence it takes on several forms and shapes in organisations. The knowledge of the various forms that conflict could take will enable a conflict manager to adopt the appropriate approach to nip the eruption of conflict in the bud.

He added that Research efforts in the field of behavioural sciences have identified some behaviour modification skills that can stimulate general positive behaviour in an individual thereby enabling him/her to choose the appropriate conflict management strategy in a conflict situation. Prominent among the behaviour modification skills that are relevant to negotiation and conflict management in the workplace, according to the erudite Professor, include Emotional Intelligence, Communication Skill, Assertiveness Skill and Interpersonal Skill.

 

Achina women in Lagos raise N30million, offer scholarship to indigent students

SuccessDamian:

Achina Women in Lagos under the aegis of Achina Town Union (ATU), Lagos Branch, has embarked on fundraising to the tune of N30million with the objective of awarding scholarships to the children of the poor in their community.

The fundraising which took place on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Catholic Church of Ascension, Airport Road, Lagos, attracted the crème de la crème in Achina town, Lagos, all across Nigeria and in the Diaspora, was given a special flavor as it was held under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Hon (Chief) Modestus Umenzekwe, (Eze Chimereze, Onwa 1 of Achina), a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Member, Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Other personalities that made the event thick were people like (Dr Mrs) Kate Onubogu; Mrs Chioma Dimude (Diaspora), Barrister Sheila Ezeuko; Mr Alphonsus Ejidike, Chairman, Achina Town Union (men); His Royal Highness Igwe G.N Obiora, Ezeidegwu 111 of Achina; Chief & Lolo (Prof) Bonny Ezeka, Mrs Ngozi Josphine Dimude (Mother of the Day); Eze Sir Gabby & Lolo Corona Dimude (Ezendigbi Apapa); Mr Ifeanyi Ezeiru, Youth Chairman, Achina Lagos Branch, Mrs Susan Odiesie, Chairperson Planning committee; among other men and women of substance of Achina Town, friends and well-wishers.

The Chairlady of Achina Town Union (Women Wing) Chief (Mrs) Ifeoma Kate Azike (Odukonamba), disclosed that fundraising became necessary because a lot of families are going through hardship, while many of them cannot afford university education for their children, hence the fundraising which was designed to create opportunity for children of poor parents to go to school. The fundraising was done through launching of diary produced by the women.

She said “Today is the appointed day, November 27, 2022, it is for the launching of the diary we produced to raise fund to the tune of N30million. The money will go into the support of widows and less privilege among us. There are those among us who cannot pay school fees for their children, many cannot afford JAMB fee, or WAEC, their children would be wallowing, many of them join bad gangs, so we don’t want it like that, we want our children to be responsible children, to have value, to become learned and become somebody in society. So it is a decision we took to help to train our less privileged children who cannot go to school because of money so that they don’t join Yahoo people, 419, doing drugs, or roaming the streets, we don’t want that. That is why we gather here, with our husbands, friends and well-wishers so that they can support us to raise fund so that we can send these children to school.”

Azike stated that the project is designed to train the beneficiaries from first year in the university till they graduate. “The plan is to train these children from year one in the university to final year, and not training them halfway. We want the children to come out and become somebody and help others in future. You know when you help somebody, that person would have the chance to help others. Today we sincerely hope that we are going to surpass the N30million target.”

On the modality and number of beneficiaries for the scholarship she said that those that have been selected were those who have secured admission and also those that are about to take the Senior School Certificate of Examination. “For now we have selected 12 persons for university and 12 for those that will take JAMB and WAEC. Those for the university will receive their money yearly, until their final year. The other 12 sitting for WAEC will still enter university. So if you look at it we are talking of 24 persons for university education. There are still others on queue; so it is one step at a time.

“The 12 persons selected for university education have already secured admission in Federal universities because if it is state or private we may not be able to afford it, so we took the one we can afford.”

Odukonamba disclosed that the scholarship only covered tuition fees and accommodation fees, and applied to only Achina indigenes in Lagos.

“The scholarship covers only Achina people who are resident in Lagos. It is said that charity begins at home, this is where we live and based on fund, we have to start here, but if our pocket becomes so big, we can now extend the gesture to Achina generally.”

On sustainability of the project she said the fundraising will be periodical, “Leadership position is not permanent, we hope that after my tenure, the incoming leader can take it up from there, we always put it in prayer that leaders should make sure they go ahead with those projects which were started by their predecesors, projects that are laudable. We should elect somebody that will not drop this tempo, this project should be a continuous one, so that in her tenure she will be able to launch this project again in order to sustain those in the school and others that are also coming to make sure the children do not stop midway. We have seen towns that began this kind of project, and they have not stopped.”

She said the beauty of the project is that a special bank account has been opened for the sake of transparency. Called Project Account, the essence was that anytime of the year someone can pay in something for the support of the project. “Once money enters the account we will tell our members this is what we received. This account is different from our Town Union Account.”

Mrs Azike also spoke on other empowerment initiatives by the group, “We have empowerment programmes for our women, we give according to our ability, we have given N50, 000 each to six women at least it could go a long way in assisting those that are into small businesses and foodstuffs. We started with that but as time goes on we are going to increase the money.”

The Chairman of the occasion, Honourable (Chief) Modestus Umenzekwe (Onwa Achina) spoke on the reason he chaired the occasion “I am here because my people called me, and it is service to the community, it is service to my own people. They are celebrating their end of year and raising fund for scholarship for the poor and for the development of the town and I was called to come and chair the occasion. So it is a call to serve the community.”

He commended the women of Achina for the laudable initiative. “It shows that what a man can do, a woman can even do better. I commend the women for putting on their thinking cap to think about this initiative, to raise fund for the poor and for scholarship. I encourage them to do more, I encourage them never to be discouraged no matter the odds, no matter the obstacles on their way; they should go on and take the lead. If the men in the town are not able to do it, the women can do that and that is what they are doing. It is leadership by example. And you know in this country today, women are coming up very seriously, in administration, in politics, in town union organisations; even the adage that says education of the woman ends in kitchen is no more obtainable, they are now vying for senatorial seats, House of Representatives, Governorship and even the presidency, they are there. So let them go on and on, and it is a challenge for men to do what they supposed to do and do more.”

Umezekwe called on the people of his community to rise up and contribute to the development and growth of their community “I am calling on indigenes of Achina Community to sit up, to live Achina and do Achina. Whatever you can do for the town, do it, no matter the odds, no matter the obstacles, no matter the attacks, whatever you can do, do it for your town, and leave the rest to God.”

Nwobodo family releases programme for burial of late Mother, Lolo Rebeca Obigeriaku Nwobodo

Success Damian:

The family of the great hero, the late Nze Samuel Nwobodo in Umuisu Ugbawka Autonomous Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, has released the programme for funeral ceremony of their late mother, Lolo Rebeca Obigeriaku Nwobodo, Nne Ora, Nne Igwe, whose death occurred early this year.

Lolo Rebeca Obigeriaku Nwobodo, who is also the mother of Igwe Umuisu, Ugbawka Autonomous Community, and Chairman/CEO, New Planet Resort Limited, Igwe Sunday Nwobodo (Akaekpuchionwa 1 of Lagos and Enugu State), lived a life of dedication, righteousness and industry, who brought up her children in the fear of the lord until she was called to rest in the bosom of the lord after a ripe age of 85 years (1937-2022).

According to the programme signed by Chief James Nwobodo (son) on behalf of the family, there will be a Wake-keep, as well as a Vigil Mass in her honour, at the Royal Court, Peace Garden Palace in Umuisu Community, on 27th December, 2022, at exactly 5:30:00pm.

The statement further stated that on 28th December, 2022, the Body will leave Eastern Medical Centre, Enugu to her home town, Umuisu Ugbawka at 6:00am and will lie in state in the Royal Court, Peace Garden Palace, Umuisu where Mass will be conducted in her honor.

Nwobodo stated that on the same 28^th December, the body of their late mother will be interred, while condolences will also follow immediately.

 

 

COP27 implores African Governments to build Capacity of healthcare professionals as first responders to climate change campaign

Success Damian:

From left: Jess Beagley and Jeni Kuhl (both officers of the Global Climate and Health Alliance) with Pastor Peters Omoragbon, Executive President, Nurses Across the Borders International and Dr. Alan Bigelow of Solar Cokers International.

African Governments (Nigeria in particular) have been implored to initiate National Capacity Building programs for the healthcare professionals as agents of climate change campaign and as First Responders to climate change disasters and risk reductions.

Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, the Executive President/CEO, Nurses Across the Borders Humanitarian Initiative made the disclosure while delivering a paper titled ‘My Reality Check: ‘Facts and Not Fictions on Climate Change and Public Health Crisis’ at the 27^th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which was held at Sharm el Sheikh International Conference Centre, Egypt which commenced November 6 and ended November18, 2022, adding that it was part of the recommendations at the end of a Two-Day Side-Events at the conference.

Other far-reaching recommendations include intensification of pressure on governments in Africa to urgently support and execute the Climate Resilient Health Systems Initiative that promotes the Goals of the Adaptation Action Coalition (AAC) by addressing health impacts of climate change while strengthening health resilience.

Nurses Across the Borders also recommended that the Federal Government especially the Federal Ministry of Health should improve upon its relationship with the civil society as partner stakeholders and emulate the practice of the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Abayomi to appoint a Civil Society Leader to head its Civil Society Desk. “The civil society is the eyes, ears and the mouth-piece of the grassroots and can bridge the gaps between government and the governed. We call on the Federal Ministry of Health to rise up and take its position in both policy formulation and negotiations as far as the climate change discuss is concerned. The Health Ministry just as the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a major and an integral player in the climate change campaign.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment must open up its space to engage all major stakeholders in the climate change campaign especially with/to the health, agriculture, water, science and technology ministries and line ministries in this process. Officials of these ministries must be included in the Nigerian delegation of negotiators to future COPs’ meetings.

“The Federal Ministry of Health should be leading the process of developing both the National Adaptation Plan and the Health National Adaptation Plan because it possesses the expertise for this and if properly harnessed (collaborate with major civil society groups) involved in this process,” Omoragbon stated.

Omoragbon who is the designated contact person from Nigeria at the COP 27 said that with specific reference to the nursing/midwifery profession, the events recognised and noted that as the single largest professional group within the health sector with over 28 million registered nurses/midwives worldwide and as the most trusted profession by adopting the proposal of Patricia Butterfield, Jeanne Leffers, Maribel Diaz Vasquez from their Nursing Pivotal Role in Global Climate Action, it was observed that broad range of power within the healthcare system-hierarchies continue to block their full capacity.

He said due to yearning for knowledge and action on Nurses climate challenge, it was resolved to Accelerate change by leapfrogging nurses into leadership roles by employing recent international initiatives that can move nurses into executive level leadership roles; Foster representation of nurses on international and national boards, congresses, governmental panels, and delegations as high- level decision makers by building partnerships among nursing organizations globally to strengthen the power of the profession; Pay for nurses’ climate change work. Give nurses and nursing students the skills they need to create the future; Develop educational strategies for nursing advocacy skills through integrating planetary health, social determinants, health equity and lifespan, occupational and location specific vulnerabilities into nursing climate change education and Amplify the voice of nurses to reach healthcare professionals, patients, families, and communities and Extend the effectiveness of nursing by speaking truth to power to mitigate the effect of climate change on health.

Other measures recommended include Ensuring a global lens by extinguishing Western biases in the climate action agenda of nursing; Promoting a stronger voice from nurses in low and middle income countries in the international climate action agenda; Endorse an intercultural approach in indigenous areas to guarantee the right to health and a healthy environment; Influence others by showing personal commitment to sustainable living choices and  Exposing corporate greed and governmental corruption as primary causes of climate change, among other recommendations.

 

 

Poverty, hunger do not know religion or tribe, Obi declares, implores Nigerians to pray for country

Success Damian:

Former Governor of Anambra State, and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, His Excellency, Peter Obi, has declared that poverty and hunger neither know religion nor tribe.

Obi made the declaration at the International Crusade organized by the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the Chosen Revival Ground in Ijesha, Lagos.

“Do not vote for anybody because he is from your area or because of religion, please. Nobody, no religion buys bread cheaper, no tribe buys bread cheaper; that is what politicians are using to manipulate us. And do not vote for anybody because it is his turn. It is the turn of Nigerians to take back their county,” Obi maintained.

Obi who disclosed that he was not at the Chosen for campaign, stated that he has been a member of the Lord’s Chosen family, saying that he has remained consistent with the church “I have been a member of this family, whenever there is a programme in Lagos or Mgbidi, everybody knows that. I am very close to Pastor, I remain consistent, every programme, I am there. Today I am here asking you, as we go into election next year, put Nigeria in prayers. I am not here for campaign.”

He urged the church to pray for Nigeria so that by 2023 Nigeria will do away with bad leaders “I am here to ask for prayers for our country, Nigeria.”

Obi said everywhere in the world the purpose of government is to care for the poor, but the case is different in Nigeria as government add to the suffering of the poor masses. “Everywhere in the world, the purpose of government is to care for the poor. In Nigeria the purpose of government is to make the poor suffer. And that is why I want you to pray, that next year, let God not allow us again to choose somebody or anybody or a group of people that will continue to bring suffering in this country again. May God almighty never allow it again,” he said.

He said Nigeria is a great country, and that the people have no reason to be either poor or hungry, adding that the suffering and hunger must stop, urging Nigerians to pray “I am sure the GO and the pastors are always praying, this is a great country, we have no reason to be poor, we have no reason to be hungry. So hunger must cease in this county, poverty must cease in this country, and it will start if we elect a good leader.

“We want government that will make people to earn a living, government that will give the youth job, we want a country where a son of nobody, a daughter of nobody will be somebody, and it will happen in this country. So I urge you, please, remain prayerful, ask questions about those you want to vote for, ask for their background.

“It is important as you pray participate in the election, don’t leave it the way it used to be, we want this country to work. I am praying as well, that God will not allow this situation to continue. I assure you, we don’t have any other country, all we are saying is from next year, God will take control of this country,” Obi stated.

Pastor Muoka, while speaking on the testimony of a young woman who  was healed of kidney failure, admonished the congregants to remain steadfast in their faith in the chosen church, he said “If you are a chosen don’t be distracted or deceived, salvation is certain, freedom is certain, and heaven at last is yours.”

He went further to say that whatever is done in the Chosen is real, “Everything here is real, God has chosen you to bless and honour you. We are chosen forever, if we are honoured here, we are honoured in heaven.

“Every Chosen in any family is a blessing to that family. Don’t be distracted because the God of Chosen will honour you, God will locate you. Honour is not a mere saying but a reality. Today you have experienced it. Remember all Glory is attributed to God and none for the pastor.”

Other testimonies include that of Sister Echefu from Charity Bus-stop, Oshodi, Lagos who had operation in the dream and woke up healed.  Brother Ugochukwu from Umuahia got his checkered business revived. Those who owed him paid him after attending Chosen crusade and becoming a Chosen. This attracted his friend who joined the Chosen and became a new creature as his business received Godly touch also. Sister Mercy testified how God of Chosen built a duplex for her and family. A man who went into coma after a fatal accident was brought back to life after Pastor commanded him to come out of Coma.

Instant testimonies at the include damaged womb revived, kidney failure, cancer, moving objects, afflictions, abnormal growth, epilepsy were all rolled away even as 16 years deaf and dumb was made to talk and hear, among other numerous miracles that were beyond human comprehension.

 

Okowa calls for dredging of Rivers Niger, Benue, building holding dams

Success Damian:

His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, has called on the Federal Government to expedite action towards ensuring the dredging of the River Niger and River Benue, and also building holding dams to cushion the effect of flooding in Nigeria. 

In a release, Okowa said this has become necessary following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) flood projection for 2023 which is expected to be bigger than that of 2022. “The NIMET flood projection for 2023 is expected to be bigger than that of 2022. It is hoped that the Federal Government will consider dredging the River Niger and River Benue as well as building holding dams to cushion the effect of flooding in the country,” he said.

Governor Okowa made this call in his Keynote Address at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Side Event organised by Nurses Across Borders International in Collaboration with the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Pastor Peters Omoragbon, the Executive President.

The Side Event titled: ‘Building Healthy and Resilient Communities in Africa to Combat Climate Change Crisis’ was held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on 17^th November, 2022.

Okowa who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Delta State, Dr. Mininim Ibiere Oseji, spoke on what he ‘Role of Government in Building Resilient Communities and Climate Resilient Health System in the Niger Delta in the Wake of the Recent Flooding in Nigeria.’

The Governor said that Climate change is a global phenomenon caused by the release of greenhouse gases (GHGS) such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities which include deforestation, burning of fossil fuel to power homes, engines and industries etc. leading to global warming, adding that the socio-economic impact and consequences of climate change include increased risk and uncertainty in agricultural production leading to food insecurity, flooding, heat-related mortality and morbidity, respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis as well reproductive problems. He said the stalling of agricultural productivity leads to malnutrition particularly in women and children which increases their vulnerability to ill health. 

Speaking on Delta State’s efforts in implementing mitigation and adaptation of climate change actions, Okowa disclosed that Delta State has embarked on a number of projects to enhance ecosystem of planted forests through Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) and Governance Innovation (GI). “These projects are aimed at reducing land degradation, conserving biodiversity, improving ecosystem services and mitigating Climate Change,” saying “it is well known that carbon capture is crucial for mitigation as trees have the capacity to mop up and store substantial quantity of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in their biomass.”

Some of the State's priority projects relating to climate change according to Okowa include Promoting low emission development strategy (LEDS) in the state; Development of air quality measurement sensors to major cities in Delta State; Climate change research/vulnerability assessment; and Climate change education/dissemination of climate information

Other measures include Tree planting action plan, Adoption of the territorial approach to climate change (TACC) and Rechanneling of flared gases into power generation and production of diversified cooking gas. 

He said Delta State is leveraging on Territorial approach to climate change (TACC) which seeks to reduce the vulnerability of communities within Delta State to the anticipated climate change impacts through the promotion of carbon climatic resilient growth, adding that  amongst the projects carried out by TACC programme are several quick win projects such as improved clean cooking stoves which are designed to reduce the amount of smoke inhaled when cooking with traditional 3-legged stove and also serve to discourage such practices as deforestation and forest degradation.

Okowa said the World Bank successfully implemented the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in three communities in Delta State and also selected Delta State for implementation of the West African Coastal Areas (WACA) Project. “Other organisations such as United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, United Nations Industrial Development Organization and Food and Agriculture Organisation are invited to join the World Bank to assist the State in building healthy and resilient communities.”

On the state’s Greenhouse gas inventory programme, he said there is a global call for governments at all levels to take proactive steps in the fight against climate change through their countries Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. He said that Delta State Government has been proactive in this regard by recently releasing funds to the State Ministry of Environment to implement a Green House Gas Inventory Programme in the State. This is in a bid to be counted as a territory working assiduously to contribute to achieving global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius. 

Okowa who said that Women in Delta State of Nigeria were in the forefront of addressing climate change, added that when the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) issued a Flood Alert through its 2022 Annual Flood Outlook, the 2022 Flood Disaster Management Committee was constituted with the mandate to draw up measures to address the impact of flooding in the State. “Sensitization was started very early with stakeholders engagement of traditional rulers, community leadership, schools etc. Many residents responded by moving away from the low planes, but as expected some people who hold some traditional beliefs held on to their ancestral homes. The Ministry of Environment was directed to open up the canals leading to the Niger River and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) was also handy in this regard as they opened up canals around their own operational areas. 

“A total of 12 camps were established in the State with almost 40,000 internally displaced persons resident within them and 22 new babies born. Teachers were mobilised to the camps to teach the school age children, while clinics were set up for health workers to provide free health services to the camp residents. The residents were also enrolled in the State Health Insurance Programme,” he stated.

Okowa concluded by commending the organizers of the event, Nurses Across the Borders International, as he promised his government’s open doors to collaborate with groups and individuals in the development of Delta State.