Nigerian government has stated that the impact of its healthcare
policies and programmes have greatly manifested in the improvement on
some of our vital health indices, particularly the infant and maternal
mortality.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who was represented by Vice
President, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo stated this during the Nigeria
Centenary Charity Ball, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and
Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
‘‘Good
Health for all, remains a fundamental objective of the Transformation
Agenda of this administration and in this regard, sound and robust
health-care policies and programmes of reform have been developed, aimed
at providing qualitative and affordable healthcare services for our
people nationwide,” he stated.
“With
these strategic initiatives and upgrades by government, challenges of
scope and availability, affordability and effective accessibility, and
of sustainability in all strata, by government yet exists in our
national progress towards the ideal in healthcare,” he noted.
“To
this end, the Board of the Nigeria Centenary Charities Trust was
mandated to oversee the management of the Nigeria Centenary Charity
Ball, a private sector initiative charged to raise funds through
donations and sponsorship from the public to compliment government’s
efforts in the provision of tertiary health care in Nigeria. Continuing,
President Jonathan said that, ‘it is our expectation that this Charity
Ball will act as a catalyst for the realization of our healthcare
agenda, with the private sector playing a crucial role,” he added.
He
stated that the significance of the event is etched in the nation’s
journey so far as a Nation, from the amalgamation, through the colonial
days and eventually, independence adding that today, it is a source of
pride that the nation has prevailed, as one people, in a united, strong
and purposeful Nigeria.
He
further pointed out that the Charity Ball should not just be seen as a
fundraising event, but also as a humanitarian commitment, a sustainable
legacy that will stand the test of time to give succour to our less
privileged, and considerably reduce our current high medical capital
flight which depletes our country's economy, and highlights an existing
gap in the industry.
The
President made it known that, ‘government alone cannot deliver on the
needs of this vital sector thus the necessity to solicit the partnership
of the Private Sector, international donor partners and public spirited
individuals in this patriotic project’.
He
expressed his confidence on the calibre of people on the Board of
Trustees of the Centenary Charities Trust, and promised the best
application and judicious use of contributions, for the benefit of our
people.
Earlier
the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Centenary Charity Ball and former
Head of State, Yakubu Gowon pointed out that our nation’s one hundred
years provides a good opportunity to celebrate our unity and hopefully
plan our future as a people and nation. He said that the event designed
to raise funds for Public Health Care is also expected to be a useful
centenary legacy project. The funds raised from the event he pledged
will be channelled towards the building of National Referral Centres for
various illnesses in existing tertiary hospitals in the federation,
with the aim of reducing medical tourism and improving healthcare.
The
Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and former Secretary-General of
the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku thanked the President and his Vice for
the foresight to conceive this commendable project. He extended his
gratitude to all invited guests who heeded the call to come and donate
generously to a worthy cause.
The
Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Culture and Tourism,
Edem Duke, Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Unoma Godswill
Akpabio were amongst the dignitaries present at the event.
State House
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