45,000 children to benefit from free de-worming programme

Forty five thousand (45,000) children between ages six and twelve from primary schools in Warri South as well as Warri North Local Government Areas in Delta State, are to benefit from a free de-worming programme sponsored by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, GSK.

This much was disclosed Tuesday November  27 in Warri, Delta State by the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn during the flag-off  of the de-worming campaign.

Mr. Brikinn who was represented by the Area Manager, PGPA Filled Operations, Mr. Sam Daibo, explained that the de-worming campaign became necessary because “worm infestation, especially on children of school age, have assumed alarming dimension that it requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders to fight the ailment”.

While stating that through Strategic Social Investments, the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture has added value to people’s lives across Nigeria, the PGPA Boss quipped that apart from other development projects the company has embarked on, appreciable progress has been made on the Ekpan Surgical Theatre/Call Rooms’project.

Wife of Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa in a message through Wife of the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, noted, “children are most vulnerable to worm infections, because their immuine system is not yet fully developed”, adding, “untreated worm infections can hamper the growth of children, which also causes poor nutrition and reduces their capacity to concentrate in class ”.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Micheal Tidi in an address, stressed, “if as a people, we refuse to do the needful by not properly safeguarding the health of our children, then the future of our children is bleak, because these children are the future leaders of tomorrow ”.

Linda Eya Ikpuri administering de-worming drug on one of the pupils, while Mrs. Edna Ohunayo (middle) & others observe

He assured that his administration will co-operate fully with Chevron Nigeria Limited to ensure that the de-worming programme achieves its sets goals and objectives.

There was also health talk by Health Education, Nurse Supervisor in Chevron, Mrs. Modupe Omiwade.

Cross Section of Primary school pupils and teachers at the event

Mrs. Edna Ohunayo (right) & others at the event

Fresh Angle International can report that highpoint of the event was the administration of anti de-worming drugs to pupils by Mrs. Oborevwori, Mr. Sam Daibo, Dr. Micheal Tidi, Warri South Supervisor for Education, Linda Eya Ikpuri and other dignitaries, as coordinated by the programme implementor, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRAPA led by Mrs. Edna Ohunayo.

Mrs. Uviejitobor (right) Dr. & Mrs. Tidi, Mrs. Oborevwori (4^th left) Mr. Sam Daibo (3^rd left) pupils of different public primary schools & others

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