The Africa Center for Entrepreneurship and Information Development (ACEIDEV), an NGO, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing the proposed Enugu State Public Health Securities Bill through vital advocacy visits.
The leader of the ACEIDEV team, Mr. James Ugochukwu, gave the assurance after two pivotal advocacy visits to stakeholders in Enugu State on Tuesday to press for the successful passage of the Bill.
The NGO visited and presented copies of the latest draft of the Enugu State Public Health Securities Bill to the state’s Ministries of Health and Justice to get their buy-in and commitment to see to the speedy passage of the bill.
At the state’s Ministry of Health, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, who warmly received ACEIDEV members, reiterated his personal commitment to ensuring the bill's passage.
Obi also emphasized not only his personal dedication but also that of the state government in ensuring that the proposed Enugu State Public Health Securities Bill becomes law.
He noted that the legislation (bill) would provide an essential legal framework for managing health emergencies in the state.
He revealed valuable insights into the proactive measures taken within his ministry, including continuous collaboration with the ministry's legal department, to thoroughly examine the bill's intricacies and ensure its provisions are in the best interest of the state's residents.
“I intend to forward a copy of this proposed Bill to other health experts in the state for a comprehensive intellectual review before it goes to the state house of assembly for legislative action.
“The paramount importance of the bill, which is safeguarding the health and well-being of the people of Enugu State, aligns with Gov. Peter Mbah’s overarching agenda for the state,” he said.
Reacting, Mr James Ugochukwu, the leader of the ACEIDEV team, expressed deep appreciation for the commissioner's unwavering commitment.
Ugochukwu commended the commissioner's exceptional leadership qualities, acknowledging the pivotal role he had been playing in providing visionary leadership for the state's health sector.
At the state’s Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General of Enugu State, Dr Kingsley Udeh, commended ACEIDEV for its influential role in advocating for the bill's passage while noting the pivotal role of the legal framework in enhancing the quality of life of the people.
Udeh, who is also the Commissioner for Justice, said that his office was committed to using law and the administration of justice to ensure the realisation of Gov. Mbah's audacious and visionary goals for the state.
“As the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, I am dedicated to providing the essential legal framework for policies and programmes that are aimed at actualising the state governor’s agenda,” he said.
He pledged to consult extensively with relevant stakeholders, especially those in the health sector, ensuring their input is thoroughly considered in the development of a law that effectively ensures public health security within the state.
The commissioner assured the ACEIDEV team of his steadfast commitment to employing all available resources and means to ensure the bill's successful passage.
Also reacting, Ugochukwu expressed gratitude to the Attorney General for his commitment to the successful realization of the proposed Bill, which would become a crucial law for effectively managing health emergencies in the state.
He assured the commissioner that the passage of the bill would represent a significant stride towards a more secure and healthier state, adding that the NGO was committed to continue supporting the state in meeting the aspirations of the public.
The critical advocacy visit to major stakeholders and ministries underscored ACEIDEV's unwavering dedication to advancing the Enugu State Public Health Securities Bill towards fruition.
This legislation stands as a cornerstone in ensuring the health and safety of the state's residents, especially during emergency situations.