The Center for Social Awareness, Advocacy, and Ethics (CSAAE), with funding from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) through its Local Government Good Governance Monitoring Initiative (LGGM), recently conducted a comprehensive status report on primary schools and primary health centers in southeast Nigeria. This initiative aimed to assess the current state of these crucial institutions and recognize outstanding efforts in the face of challenges. The official unveiling of the status report took place recently, where local government chairmen and LGGM field officers, recognized as champions, were awarded for their exceptional performance.
The event, held to mark the official unveiling of the status report, was a momentous occasion.
A day before the award presentation, a press conference was convened to provide insights into the findings of the status report. This session allowed the media and the public to gain a preliminary understanding of the state of primary schools and health centers in the southeast region.
The core of the occasion was the recognition and awarding of local government chairmen and LGGM field officers known as champions who demonstrated exceptional dedication despite prevalent challenges. These champions were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to improving the conditions of primary schools and health centers in their respective areas.
The event featured speeches by distinguished guests, including the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Imo State, represented by Dr. Uloma Elvis Parker. The Secretary of Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), Mr. Tochukwu Ibeh, and the Special Adviser to the Imo State Government on Door-to-Door initiatives, Engr. Larns Ibe also addressed the audience.
A significant aspect of the event was the call to action directed at government officials and stakeholders. The Executive Director of CSAAE, Rev Fr Dr Godswill Agbawa, urged them to allocate resources towards improving the state of primary schools and health centers in the southeast region. This call to action emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by these vital community institutions.
The occasion was graced by various dignitaries, including the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Imo State, Dr. Uloma Elvis Parker; the Secretary of IMSHIA, Mr. Tochukwu Ibeh; and the Special Adviser to the Imo State Government on Door-to-Door initiatives, Engr. Larns Ibe. Additionally, representatives from local governments, former education secretaries, and directors of other civil society groups attended to show their support for the initiative.
The collaborative effort between CSAAE and OSIWA, through the LGGM, to conduct a status report on primary schools and health centers in southeast Nigeria is a commendable step towards fostering good governance. The recognition and awarding of local government chairmen and LGGM field officers serve as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence in service delivery. The event, marked by speeches from distinguished guests and a compelling call to action, underscores the need for sustained efforts to enhance the quality of education and healthcare in the region. It is hoped that the findings of the status report will contribute to positive changes and improvements in the southeast’s primary schools and health centers.
