OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO

In a determined bid to bridge the yawning gap between the haves and the have not as well as serve humanity, a Benin based Non Governmental organisation, Community based Initiative for Brighter Tomorrow (CIBT) has put smiles on the faces of vulnerable and elderly in Iyekogba Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Speaking at the ceremony also aimed at providing equal opportunities for all children and adolescents as well as give joy to the have nots with a theme, “Promoting Children’s Right to Clean Water”, Mrs. Julia Bienose, Executive Director, Community based Initiatives for a Bridgter Tomorrow (CIBT) disclosed that every child has right to clean water.

Mrs. Bienose said, “water is life. Water being used in any form, to bathe, wash clothes, cook or drink must be clean and particularly for the growing child, it must be germs free”.

According to Mr. Wale Opatola, Publicity Manager, CIBT, Iyekogba Community was chosen in Edo South Senatorial District because, “in spite of being surrounded by development, the Community lacks basic infrastructure such as potable water, shelter and good roads to mention a few.”

Benefitting participants were 45 children ranging from age 6 months to 15 years with some adult members of the community.

The outreach featured a talk on understanding children’s right to clean water handled by Mr MacDonald Iyamu who also anchored the questions and answers and feedback segment on CIBT’s other efforts at improving basic lives of children across the state which was followed by presentation of gifts (water bags, toiletries, snacks, stationaries).

Spokesperson of the parents present expressed gratitude to CIBT for the outreach to the community, they called on the organisation not to relent in their efforts to help the community and humanity to solve their long standing water challenge.

Prayers for the children, parents and every member of the community was then offered to God

The organisation then took a brief tour of the community to visit the elderly.