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.

Breaking: Seven year-old Queen Nicole set to feed 1m hungry Nigerian children

Success Damian: 

Nigeria is prominently known as a nation where talents flourish.

It is also true that Nigerians who have succeeded through their natural talents have ensured that they give certain percentage of proceeds of their talents to the less-privileged. But the amazing and most trending news is that the very young and talented seven years old Queen Nicole Emeruwa with passion for charity, modeling, and singing is set to feed over a million hungry Nigerian children. 

Her manager Ige Ayodeji made the disclosure in a press statement, adding that the young dazzling queen is working on a National food program which is set to kick off by September, 2022. 

Ayodeji also disclosed that the programme is expected to take the young Queen to the 36 states of the federation. He said “She is also working on a National food program which is set to kick off by September, 2022. All 36 states in the country are expected to benefit from this project as Queen Nicole will be feeding a million of hungry children,” Ayo stated. 

Queen Nicole Emeruwa who was born on the 23rd Nov, 2015, has as hobbies, Singing, Acting and Dancing. 

The Basic two student, Nicole, started singing and dancing from school in her Ballet club. She officially recorded her first song in July 2021 where she has since been featured in some commercials and recently made an appearance in SIN the movie. Nicole is also the little Miss Model Planet 2022 where she was crowned in May, 2022. 

 “Nicole also intends to pursue her passion in charity, modeling, and singing and also to make some appearances in movies or TV commercials as they roll in,” Ayodeji stated in the press release.

Omoragbon urges Pastor Enunwaonye to join politics, saying dearth of nurse-politicians bane of nursing

 Success Damian

Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon, Executive President/CEO Nurses Across the Borders International and President Diaspora Nurses Association of Nigerian, has called on Pastor (Mrs) Enunwaonye Chimdi Hossanna to run for a political office.

Omoragbon who is Convener, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change HEALTHNGOs, Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association-United Kingdom, and also Fellow Open Society Institute-Budapest made the appeal in his Goodwill message at the Sent-forth ceremony of Pastor Enunwaonye on Monday August 1, 2022 at the HMA Hall, Benin City, Edo State.

He said “The dearth of nurse politicians has been the bane for nursing development in Nigeria, which is why other professionals within the health sector are deciding what nurses should or should not get. So, my dear colleague I will reiterate that call again-consider running for public office. If the entire Edo state nurses/midwives are to replicate the love shown here today towards her campaign, Mrs Enunwaonye would become the beautiful bride of every political party in Edo state. She can make a better Commissioner of Health for Edo State.”

Omoragbon stated that Pastor Enunwaonye has made immense contributions to the growth and development of the Nursing Profession in Nigeria. “Thirty-Five years of meritorious service to nation-building in complete health is the prayer and aspiration of any civil servant. As for Pastor Enunwaonye whom we are celebrating today, she has not only completed her call to duty but also made immense contributions to the growth and development of the Nursing Profession in Nigeria.”

While congratulating her for a no-blemish career, Omoragbon disclosed that Nurses Across the Borders International has offered her the position of National Coordinator for South-South and South-East in order to tap from her wealth of knowledge. “Nurses Across the Borders International is glad to offer Pastor (Mrs) Enunwaonye Chimdi Hossana the position of the National Coordinator-South-South & South-East of the Organization. Now that Nurses Across the Borders International has formally entered a collaboration to promote climate change and public health by building the capacities of healthcare professionals as First Responders to the Climate Change crisis in Nigeria, the organization will benefit from her wealth of experience and intelligence.”

Going down memory lane Omoragbon who is the First Designated Contact Person from Nigeria to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change said “Our contact with Mrs Enunwaonye was at the Kick-Off Campaign of the Year 2020: The Year of the Nurse in Abuja, January 2020 led by the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association United Kingdom. She was fiery and passionate when making her interventions at the summit. In-fact, she was urged to run for public office in the coming political dispensation, because the nursing profession in Nigeria deserves nothing more than a nurse that would go the legislature and promote the cause of nursing and be a voice to us.

“Another occasion of our robust interaction was at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change-(UNFCCC COP 26), held in Glasgow, last year. Her intelligence was tested and proven and the compassionate nature of her being and a nurse was shown to our younger delegates in the team, as she acted like Mother Theresa to all of us at our hotel. She is very empathetic,” Pastor Peters Omoragbon disclosed.

In the end on behalf of he wished her well in her future endeavours.

 

Federal University of Petroleum Resources honours Pastor Omoragbon …As he delivers Lecture

Federal University of Petroleum Resources (Centre for Sustainable Development) Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria, has honoured the Executive President/CEO-Nurses Across the Borders Worldwide, Pastor Peters Osawaru Omoragbon. 

At the event which took place on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Asaba, Delta State, Omoragbon bagged Certificate of Fellow/Partner in recognition of his immense contributions to Sustainable Development Globally. 

In his acceptance speech, Omoragbon said he was dedicating the award to fellow Civil Society colleagues involved in the promotion of a sustainable climate and human development, the nursing profession, and above all his wife, children for their support. “I am dedicating the award to fellow Civil Society Colleagues involved in the promotion of a sustainable climate and human development. This will spurn us to continue more with our efforts.” 

Following the investiture, the team proceeded to the Nelson Mandella Park in the heart of Asaba to plant a commemorative tree to mark the 50th Earth Day. 

The Permanent Representative to the United Nations and First Designated Contact Person from Nigeria to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; President, Diaspora Nurses Association of Nigeria & Director International Liaison, Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association, UK delivered a lecture titled ‘Climate change and healthy environment for sustainable development’. Pastor Omoragbon made some recommendation, calling for Collaboration in organizing a National Health Forum on Climate Change by October 2022 as a Pre-COP 27 activity of the FMOH and the CSOs. The aim, according to him, is to bring together all relevant stakeholders from organized agencies, UN entities, the private sectors, religious bodies and the civil society to help formulate policies that will aid in reviewing and developing an appropriate National Adaptation and Mitigation Plan to be driven by the FMOH and partners; Initiate a 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. He said NAB shall utilize its international networks to provide the needed resources by coordinating the involvement of major stakeholders with the cooperation of the Federal Government through the FMOH. 

Other recommendations include that there is an urgent need for the FMOH to carry out a Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment on climate change and health, adding that NAB shall with its status in the UNFCCC process support the FMOH in mainstreaming health into climate governance, fossil fuel phase out, international financing for climate and health and building a resilient and sustainable low-carbon health systems, among others.