By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The Dr. Ernest Ahamioje Projects Initiative (DEAPI), has outlined its programme of activities in support of the poor and needy in Esan land with special focus on supply of educational materials to indigent pupils and students.
Dr. Ernest Ahamioje, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation said while briefing journalists in Benin City that distribution of note books to schools in Esanland will be kicked started as a measure to mitigate parent's struggles to pay school fees, buy books and other learning materials for their children at this critical period.
The foundation's whose objective is to build projects aim at uplifting vulnerable groups while also promoting cultural identity, unity and progress in Esanland also focuses on award of scholarship to deserving students and paying of hospital bills of people to save lives.
Ahamioje noted that the Project's initiative prioritizes the welfare of widows and the elderly thus making their care taking prime position in its present support agenda. He added that since the elderly have lived for the people, it becomes imperative on society to care for them in return without looking back.
Continuing, he said another area of focus is the development of the rural areas which he said can easily be transformed into semi-urban settlements through provision of good access roads that facilitate movement of people, goods and services thus enhancing inhabitants standard of living.
He said a free medical outreach by the foundation is under way where people will have the opportunity to be examined medically with drugs provided in order for them especially the elderly to live healthy life.
The health initiative he said draws strength from his concern for the health needs of the average citizen of Nigeria in view of the damning wellness statistics out there and the low capacity on the part of the people to procure quality health services due to low income level.
Himself being a PhD holder in Public Policy and Healthcare Administration, Ahamioje raised alarm over the prevalence of the high blood pressure and diabetes which he said is on the rise among Nigerians these days, stressing a need for proper regular medical examination to discover and treat them quickly before they become life threatening.
He said his organization has a capable team led by Prince Miracle Ogbebor that are working day and night to see that all its activities are carried out within the rules and regulations of the organization in order to achieve its set objectives.
Ahamioje expressed gratitude to the Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo for his unwavering support for the foundation, a gesture he said has boosted their outreaches beyond their expectations.
"We hope to involve the government to actualize some of our programmes for the good of our people. We are working hard to bring the awareness to the general public. Esan need to be part of the future of Edo State".
He said though the organization is presently focusing on Esanland, it's target is to go round Edo State to equally impact the lives of those in need. He recalled when he was younger, that he usually see the helping hand his father was giving to people from the little he had then. He said giving has been his nature from childhood.
"My intention is just to keep assisting the less privileged. We know all fingers are not equal. But we are just trying to give the basic needs to our people because they are not asking for too much. Like the kids, they just want education that can assist them to be better people in the society tomorrow. So it is very necessary for us to invest in their lives at this critical period.
Ahamioje said although he has lived for 24 years abroad, his feeling and love has been his motivation to support his people ensuring his yearly visit to Nigeria to know how they fare.
He said he has seen how things works abroad and also desires same for his people just as he expressed satisfaction over his modest impact on the lives of his people.
He expressed confidence that other well meaning individuals in the Diaspora could be motivated by his modest for community back home, to also give support to their various communities, thus complementing the good works the governor is doing for the people.
The organization which has been in existence for fifteen years is to create a sustainable platform that empowers children, support the elderly and strengthen communities in Esanland through education, health care and social economic development.
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