PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR FLAGS OFF FIRST BANK FREE VVF SURGERY AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN IN JOS

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially flagged off the First Bank free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) surgery and empowerment programme for indigent women in the state.The initiative aims to address the scourge of VVF, which has significantly impacted the lives of many women in Plateau State.

The programme, held at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, is part of First Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, designed to provide a lifeline to women suffering from VVF.The bank's intervention is set to offer not only corrective surgeries but also rehabilitation and empowerment for the affected women.

During the ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Mutfwang, expressed appreciation to the bank for its impactful gesture. He emphasized the importance of such collaborations in addressing critical health issues in the state.

Receiving the empowerment kits, which included culinary equipment, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration's commitment to partnering with organizations to provide corrective surgeries and rehabilitation for VVF patients. 

He commended First Bank for taking the initiative to bring the much-needed relief to women who are often abandoned by their families and isolated by their communities due to VVF.

Governor Mutfwang also called on community and religious leaders, as well as corporate organizations, to collaborate with the government in raising awareness about VVF. He stressed the need to educate parents on the dangers of early marriages, which are a leading cause of VVF.

He expressed optimism that this intervention would significantly improve the living conditions of indigent women battling VVF. He also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to revitalizing the health sector to meet the medical needs of the people of Plateau State.

Idris Ado Ibrahim, Executive Director of First Bank of Nigeria, explained that the bank annually executes a Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability week, dedicated to promoting social development across the country, particularly in host communities. 

He said the initiative is designed to give back to society and inspire individuals to engage in humanitarian services.

Ibrahim noted that the selection of communities and organizations benefiting from this initiative is based on data-driven surveys identifying those involved in humanitarian efforts. To date, the programme has reached over one million beneficiaries across Nigeria.

The Programme Coordinator for VVF at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Sunday Lengmak, provided insight into the devastating impact of VVF, particularly on young mothers who experience prolonged labor during childbirth.

 He announced that this year's programme would provide free medical attention to 600 VVF patients and survivors. Out of the 600 beneficiaries, 50 will receive corrective surgeries, while 300 will be empowered through the support of First Bank of Nigeria.

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State  

August 21, 2024

GOVERNOR CALEB M. MUTFUANG OF PLATEAU STATE HOLDS PRAYERS FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING OF THE LAND

 

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT HOLDS PRAYERS FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING OF THE LAND

The Plateau State Government convened a special prayer session on Saturday, seeking repentance and spiritual cleansing for the land, to make it fruitful and prosperious for its citizens.

The event, tagged "Healing the Land," was held at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Jos. It was anchored on the Biblical scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang led the congregation in a prayer of repentance for the state and its people. He affirmed that the solution to mankind's problems lies in the genuine and faithful decision to follow Jesus Christ. 

The Governor urged citizens to embrace Christ freely, noting that Plateau people have a significant responsibility to intercede for God's intervention, not only within the state but across the nation.

Governor Mutfwang described Plateau as a "city built on a hill," with hospitable people and abundant resources, making it a place of refuge for many. He called on the citizens to find strength in their diversity and worship God in unity, for the healing and prosperity of the land.

Rev. Dr. Yemi Ayodele led the prayers for "Healing the Land" and for repentance from sin and the defilement of the land. His wife, Rev. Mrs. Rebecca Ayodele, prayed for "Personal Repentance and Consecration." 

Both emphasized the historical significance of Plateau as Nigeria's economic and spiritual epicenter, urging the people to confess their sins and restore their relationship with God to reclaim the land's lost glory.

Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi led the congregation in a prayer for blessings over the land, asking God for forgiveness and for His enduring blessings upon the state.

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, was represented by the Adagwom Izere, Rev. Isaac Wakili while the CAN Chairman, Very Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, and Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum, both expressed their gratitude to the Plateau State Government for organizing the prayer session and urged citizens to realign themselves with God.

Notable personalities who were in attendance included former Governors of Plateau State, Senator Jonah David Jang and Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, along with Members of the State House of Assembly, former Members of the National Assembly, traditional leaders, clergy, and top government officials, all united in seeking healing for the land of Plateau.

Jos E Vents