COMMISSIONING OF DISTRICT 404A2 DIABETES CENTRE

Cross River State Governor, Sir Benedict Ayade has showered encomiums on District 404A2 – Nigeria of Lions Clubs International for gifting the State an Ultra-Modern Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centre as well as offering interventions that engender the betterment of society.

Speaking at the commissioning of the monumental project on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the General Hospital, Igoli, Ogoja, Governor Ayade said: „Diabetes like we know kills people in their millions; and about 1.5m persons die every year from diabetes. Seven out of 10 persons who have diabetes do not know or have the awareness of this human killer.”

Governor Ayade who was represented by the National Women Leader, All Progressive Congress, Dr Betta Edu mentioned that „this Centre will be offering screening, treatment as well as rehabilitation and change of lifestyle.“

The Governor who applauded the District Governor for the giant strides recorded during her service year, described her as an excellent woman of empathy and humanitarian disposition.

„We are really grateful as Cross River State Government to the Lions Clubs for the change they bring everyday in supporting Government and we as well grateful to the people of Ogoja for the support they have provided through out the project“, he concluded.

In her address, the District Governor, District 404A2 Nigeria for 2021/2022 Lions Service, Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi started with a paraphrase from Lions Clubs founding father — Melvin Jones — that „You can never really go far in life, except you do something for someone who may never have the opportunity to say thank you.” Continuing, she said: “Today’s event is a true testament to the fact that any sincere act of giving is a worthy show of kindness to mankind.”

„First, I sincerely want to return all Glory to the Almighty for showing himself strong amidst prevailing circumstance and for ensuring the successful completion of this project.

“Let me specially thank the Chief Medical Director of the General Hospital, Ogoja for his uncommon commitment to this project, the Hospital Management Board, our kind hearted donors, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and most importantly, the vision and support of our foremost erstwhile Commissioner of Health and now APC National Women Leader, Dr Beta Edu who laid the foundation for this great edifice on the 16th of September 2021. The reward for hard work is more work and like Oliver Twist, we will keep asking for more until the fatal effect of diabetes in our society which is unfortunately killing millions of our people is either prevented or reduced to the barest minimum,“ she remarked.

“Diabetes over the years has remained a silent killer, causing an upsurge in the mortality rate of Adults to the tune of not less than 1.5 million persons globally according to release by World Health Organization (WHO). In a bid to combat these menace called Diabetes, the Lions Clubs International has provided a fully furnished building for the sole purpose of addressing issues relating to Screening and Treatment of citizens faced with the killer disease and also handed over same to the Management of the Ogoja General Hospital, ogoja to complement the effort of both Federal and State Government in her mandate to improve the health condition as well as the livelihood of the people of Cross River and by extension Nigerians.“

She further stated that the monumental edifice covers about 885 sqm² on an 8.3 slope percentage topography will not just provide affordable healthcare to indigenes of Cross River State, but also to catchment States like Enugu, Benue State, Akwa Ibom States, and a portion of the Republic of Cameroon.

“I wish to acknowledge the contribution and efforts of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the entire membership of Lions District 404A2 – Nigeria, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Management and staff of the General Hospital, Ogoja, Ogoja Traditional Rulers Council among others.