MKPOIKANA UDOMA 28 August 2014, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says many more lives in the Niger Delta region would be touched through its programmes and projects, if its funding improves.
The Ondo State Representative in the Governing Board of the Commission, Barr.Benson Amuwa stated this while speaking at the flag-off of the Free Medical Programme in Igbobini, Ese Odo Local Government Area and Igo, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This is contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by Head of Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Mr. Ibitoye Abosede.
During the programme which was organised by the NDDC in collaboration with Universal Medical Foundation and Pro-Health International, Barr. Amuwa appealed to the Federal Government for the quick release of funds to NDDC for the present governing board to achieve its mandate of completing all ongoing projects.
He also urged the people to cooperate and support the medical teams to work effectively, promising that NDDC was determined to bring healthcare to the doorstep of the people.
Also speaking at the event, the Olu of Igbobini, Oba Oyedele Raphael, represented by High Chief Olasehinde Ajele, commended the NDDC for its gesture, saying: “This is the first time any government is carrying out this kind of free medical programme in these communities”.
He called for more people-oriented projects and programmes in riverine communities of the state.
Leader of the Pro-Health International medical team, Dr Livinus Martins, said the one-week programme saw cases from consultancy, dental, eye care, eye surgery, laboratory test, among others were treated as well as the distribution of free drugs to the people.
The statement also added that over 6,000 residents of the riverine communities of Ondo State received the NDDC free medical services.