By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The administration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo through the Office of the Edo State First Lady, has collaborated with the Association of Chinese Community in the State to enhance the well-being of residents in the areas of provision of healthcare, relevant and functional education, as well as on economic empowerment initiatives.
According to the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the collaboration, which reflects the State Government’s commitment to the holistic development of the State, aims to improve healthcare services, increase access to quality and affordable education, and promote the welfare of women and girls in the State. She appreciated the generous donations by the Association and stated that the initiatives align with the State Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Edo residents, with particular focus on supporting women and girls.
Mrs. Anani stated, “I am honoured to stand before you today to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous donation of health and education supplies to the good people of Edo State. This noble gesture aligns with Edo State Government’s commitment to community development, particularly initiatives that empower women and girls. We believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare and education, which is why we are thrilled to partner with the Association of Chinese Community in Edo State.”
She emphasized that the collaboration with the Association will focus on three critical sectors which included education, health, and empowerment. In her words, “Key areas of focus on our partnership with the Association of Chinese Community in Edo State include health; to prioritize health initiatives that improve access to medical care and promote healthy living. Education; to support programmes that enhance educational outcomes, especially for girls and boys in rural areas. Empowerment; we aim to equip individuals with skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient.”
Mrs. Anani called for additional collaborations, emphasizing their critical roles in advancing the State’s development goals. She said, “Today, I’m excited and just like I always say, we are open for collaborations and today is one of those days that we have had a major collaboration with the Association of the Chinese Community in Edo State. Truth is, Government cannot do everything alone and as I always say, our office is not funded, so when we have people collaborate with the office it will help us drive the course and help us to achieve what we want to achieve. Today is a success story. We have educational materials, medical equipment and most especially, sanitary pads for the girls. So, we want to thank them for what they are doing and we are hoping for more collaborations.”
She reiterated the State Government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports the growth of enterprises in the State, saying it included the Government actively pursuing partnerships with private, state, and non-state stakeholders to enhance the well-being of residents.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, appreciated the Association for its generous donations, saying, “Today’s donation of essential health and educational supplies is a testament to the strong and good relationship between the people of Edo State and our Partner from the Republic of China. Your gesture reflects not only your corporate social responsibility but also a commitment to the well-being and development of the Community in which you operate. As a government, we remain resolute in our vision to build a healthier, more educated and empowered Edo State.
“This donation will go a long way in supporting our ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, promote learning and improve service delivery in our institutions. We are especially grateful for your support at a time when global and local challenges continue to stretch resources. Let me assure you that these items will be used judiciously and equitably; reaching the remote areas the most.”
The Chairman of Yongxing Steel Company, Mr. Xianghai Zhang, represented by the Public Relations Officer of Yongxing Steel Company, Miss Hazel Han, acknowledged the strong partnership between the State Government and the Association. He outlined the details of the donation as part of their commitment to the development of the society.
According to Mr. Zhang, “We, the Association of Chinese Community, Edo State, are very happy to be part of this event today. We consider ourselves partners in progress to the Edo State Government and we have continued to identify with the Government and people of the State in noble projects. Today we step up to support in an area we consider very important for the State. Research by the World Bank and other global bodies show the importance of women in the economic and social development of society. That is why efforts are being made towards the education and health of women and girl-children.
“Today, our Association made up of Nigeria Yongxing Steel Company, Rongsheng Glass (Nigeria) Limited, Time Ceramics Nigeria Limited and Rongtai Industrial Park, are donating the following items; feminine supplies, academic supplies, healthcare supplies, 25 million Naira and a few others, all worth 40 million Naira. These are donated directly to the Office of the First Lady, for the use of the good people of Edo State, especially their womenfolk.
“This is one of our ways of saying we appreciate our relationship with the Government and people of Edo State and this relationship has extended to our national Government. We are doing many other things in the areas of education, health and community development in this State. Most recently, in November last year, we partnered with Chinese Consulate in Lagos to provide free eye surgery for people of Edo State. And individually, our member companies have community development programmes in the communities where we do business”
The highlight of the event was the official presentation of the donated items to the Office of the First Lady.
