CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIMILLION NAIRA DIABETES CENTRE
District 404A2 Nigeria of Lions Clubs International has officially flagged-off the construction of a Multi-Million Naira Ultra-Modern Diabetes Screening and Treatment Centre at the Ogoja General Hospital, Ogoli, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, the District Governor of Lions District 404A2 Nigeria, Lion Princess Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, stated that the need to improve the quality of life of the people informed the construction of the project.
In her words: “This event is particularly significant because it marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of Lions Clubs International, District 404A2 Nigeria.
“I salute every Lion Leader and Stakeholder here present to witness the beauty of service towards improving our communities and humanity.
“Studies have shown that on the average, 40 people die everyday from diabetes-related ailments in Nigeria. This informed the need for this facility, which will cater to the health needs of those in surrounding communities, while providing a point of care for screening and treatment to help avert the looming numbers recorded nationwide.“
“Underprivileged families in these communities can confidently walk into a modern facility without the fear of huge financial cost to seek screening and help in diabetes-related ailments. This will in effect encourage a drop in the prevalent death records due to diabetes-related issues.“
“Our investment here will help ensure that the people of Ogoja and Nigeria at large will have the health infrastructure that meets international standards to efficiently prosecute diabetes-related concerns and other medical issues connected to it.”
Lion Lynda posited that the Club’s investment in bolstering the nation’s health system transcends constructing buildings; as they build and equip.
She revealed that the Lions Clubs International, District 404A2 Nigeria is also working closely with States, Federal, and Local Governments to bring improvement to livelihood and the overall wellbeing of the citizens across its six thematic areas of focus.
The District Governor highlighted the six thematic areas to include: hunger, environment, youth empowerment, vision, pediatric cancer advocacy as well as diabetes.
The health complex, according to the District Governor, would cost the organization about 150 Million Naira, and the facility, when completed, would serve people in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State, as well as the adjourning States of Ebonyi, Benue, and the neighboring Cameroon, with well equipped state-of-the-art equipment.
The District Governor averred that part of their programme and intervention also focuses on policy formulation, national health care systems that give equal opportunity to all men as well as a safe society for all.
In her remarks, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, stated that the State is proud of what the Lions District 404A2 Nigeria, is doing in Ogoja, as it is now becoming a new centre of excellence.
Dr. Edu stated that government was doing everything humanly possibly to ensure that the lofty project is given support, adding that with the project, thousands of lives are surely going to be saved.
In a goodwill, the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, stated that the project is a laudable high impact project, and pledged her commitment to ensure that the project is completed.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator, Lion Dr Jude Okonkwo pointed out that the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) works to bridge gaps for the betterment of the society.
„Today, we have come as Lions of District 404A2 ably supported by our founding arm, the Lions Clubs International to make a difference in the area of Diabetes in Ogoja.“
Dr Jude thanked the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) for the massive support for the building of the Ultra-Modern Diabetes Centre in Ogoja.