By: Chioma James
The newly elected Country President of United Towns Agency (UTA) North South cooperation, a united Nations accredited Non-Governmental Organization, Princess Abigail Chinyere Amalaha has announced that the immediate plan action of the NGO is to embark on Humanitarian activities in vulnerable rural communities of the Federal Capital Territory with focus on scaling up access to safe drinking water, qualitative Healthcare and Education.
Regretting that some FCT communities which houses the seat of Nigerian government bereft of some social amenities, Princess Amalaha emphasized that the first set of the rural community projects are the construction of two modern hospitals, rehabilitation and equipping of two primary schools in FCT.
The Nigeria’s first UTA President indicating the NGO’s interest to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to raise electoral education, pointed that it is the work plan of UTA to seek to defend the political rights of Nigerian electorates in the fourth coming 2023 general elections by ensuring that their votes count, thereby promoting free, fair and transparent election.
“The UTA will therefore be constructively involved in the electioneering process as an observer. The inalienable rights of the people to vote and be voted for without fear of molestation and inducement must be guaranteed”, she stated.
She noted that her appointment as the UTA President is a clarion call to action and big challenge for Nigeria to join the Community of 110 nations to prove its mettle and position as the giant of Africa by taking the lead in the humanitarian projects, human Rights protection, United Nations Social Development Goals and Scientific endeavors which are the UTA’s interventions in various countries around the world.
Acknowledging that the UTA headquarters in Geneva is yet to provide funding and equipment for the project, the UTA President disclosed that their immediate goal is to raise intervention fund for the various Humanitarian Projects with an official launch in September 2022 in Abuja, Lagos and the six Geo-political zones while embarking on advocacy visits to eminent Nigerians to solicit their financial support.
She however solicits the co-operation and support of the media whom she recognized as a worthy and dependable partner.
In his remark Dr Abubakar Jimoh who spoke on behalf of other appointed members of the Board of UTA in Nigeria thanked the President of UTA for fighting a dogged fight and bringing the crown to Nigeria with the view of bridging the gap between the North (developed) and South (developing) countries, while pledging their utmost support to work so as to realize the goal of UTA in Nigeria.
Dr Jimoh stated that there is urgent need for UTA to compliment the effort of the Nigerian government in improving the quality of the healthcare system considering the present state of the economy.
‘We will keep partnering as media managers in the area of enlightening and informing the people especially those in the rural communities of the need to take preventive measures as some underlying illnesses could have been prevented. We will engage the traditional institutions as whom are closer to the people”, he said.
The Deputy Head of Mission Mauritania, Moulaye Mohammed Moulaye Idriss who represented the Ambassador pledged his support while stating that she is the best person for the job. He urged her to partner with other Arabic Ambassadors.
The board members of UTA Nigeria are His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr)Usman Nga-Kupiu, the Sa’peyi of Garki represented by Ibrahim Gimbiya of National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, Director of Public Affairs of NAFDAC and Dr Chike Okogwu, seasoned Journalist, Consummate Film Producer and Philanthropist all of whom were presented letter of appointment.