The First Lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu on Friday 29th September, 2017 flagged off the first phase of Mass De-worming Campaign put together by NNPC/Chevron Joint Ventures in partnership with GSK at St. Paul Caring Heart Mega School, Idanre.
Also in attendance at the flag off ceremony was the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ajewole Ajayi; Honourable Commissioner for Health, Hon. Wahab Adegbenro; Honourable Commissioner for Education, Hon. Femi Agagu; Idanre Local Government Chairman, Hon. Biyi Ayanuola, Royal Fathers among others.
Harping on the importance of good hygiene, Arabinrin Akeredolu, said it will be counterproductive to de-worm the children only for them to go back home to dirty environment.
“It makes no sense if we de-worm these children and they go back home to a dirty environment. I believe de-worming exercise must go hand in hand with portable water and good sanitation in our homes. It is our duty to teach our children that when they use the toilet, they should wash their hands”, Arabirin Akeredolu stressed.
While also promising that Idanre Community will be transformed into a world class tourist destination, Mrs. Akeredolu affirmed that Idanre will be playing host to members of BRECAN during its 20th anniversary slated for October, 2017.
In his welcome address, the chairman, Idanre Local Government, Hon. Biyi Anyanuola acknowledged the significance of the event while thanking Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for choosing Idanre Local Government as one of the beneficiaries of the programme.
Hon. Ayanuola who affirmed that the people of Ondo State have been maximally benefiting from the dividends of democracy from the present administration, he thanked NNPC and Chevron for their support.
Earlier, the representative of Chevron, Senator Gbenga Aluko in his remark affirmed that the de-worming programme is part of several health intervention programme of Chevron and NNPC joint venture to build a healthy nation.
Sen. Aluko who highlighted some of the projects Chevron has already embarked upon, emphasized that the de-worming programme became necessary as children often suffer from worm infestation at an alarming rate. ‘It is aimed at ridding children between ages six (6) and twelve (12) of worm”, he added while stressing the commitment of Chevron Nigeria to being a part of Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro in his remark acknowledged the efforts of the present administration in the areas of health. According to him, there is a need for regular de-worming exercise as it aids healthy living.
While urging parents to de-worm their children every three months, Dr. Adegbenro also emphasized the place of sanitation to healthy life.