…Becomes First Council Boss To Visit
It was tremendous jubilation among the people of Ofiomina-Ama Alakiri when the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan arrived the community for a medical outreach programme.
In visiting the community, she became the first council chairman in the history of the local governmnt area to do such.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan said her visit was in response to their cries for assistance following an oil explosion that rocked the area since February this year.
She noted that as a responsive and caring leader, she immediately sent a medical team to appraise the situation and give her feedback on what actions needed to be taken.
The CTC boss stressed further that upon receiving the report, she understood the situation at hand, hence the immediate resolve to arrive with medical professionals and subject the people to medical examinations.
“We decided to visit this community to see first hand the issues that were at stake based upon the report we got. I am happy that we came here to see the people through this medical outreach.
“It is difficult to drill a borehole here because of the salt water, hence why we came with water and some other medical consumables to treat basic ailments, in addition to admonishing you in the fight against cholera outbreak.
“We are encouraging the people to be hygienic in the way and manner they handle the water they drink, how they defecate and cooking of their meals; we will keep an eye on the people and ensure there is no cholera outbreak here,” she stated.
On the issue of the explosion in the area, Hon Ogan noted she would also help take their cries to higher authorities, adding that Governor Sim Fubara has the interest of Rivers people at heart.
The Community Development Committee (CTC) chairman of Ofiomina-Ama Alakiri, David Anyanakaye Igbanibo was full of praises for the Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan-led CTC, saying it was the first time they were seeing a council chairman visit them.
According to him, “We are happy and we are glad, this is our first time to see a council chairman visit us, at least to say this are my people, this chairman is a good woman and we are happy with her.”
He disclosed that they had made complaints to relevant government agencies over the explosion in the area but had not received any positive news, adding that the visit of the council boss has gone a long way to assuage their pains.
Part of items distributed to the people included mosquito nets, bottled and table water, and drugs.
In the entourage of the chairman were CTC members including Tamunosaki LongJohn, Amietamunopiri Loveday, Christian Kendrick, Andy Okereke, Obianime Toku, council secretary, Gold Okujagu; Medical Officer of Health, Dr Vivian Ile, medical personnel, among others.
Okrika Caretaker Committee Media Team
July 4, 2024
