The Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Cross River State Chapter, has elected a new State Executive Council to steer the affairs of the association for the next three years.
The election was conducted during the association’s Triennial General Meeting held at the Local Government Council Hall, Ikom, which also featured a meeting of Heads of Environmental Health facilities across the state to deliberate on critical issues affecting Environmental Health practice and service delivery.
Declaring the meeting open, the Chairman of Ikom Local Government Council, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mrs. Felicia Okongor, commended Environmental Health Officers for their indispensable contributions to sanitation, disease prevention and public health protection.
Okongor reaffirmed the council’s support for Environmental Health programmes and urged members of the association to sustain unity, professionalism and dedication to duty.
The meeting was attended by the National General Secretary of EHOAN, Barr. Emmanuel Eyo, who represented the National President, alongside representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River State Chapter.
Following the dissolution of the former State Executive Council led by San. Dr. Obogo Simon Idoko, members conducted a peaceful electoral process which produced San. Comrade Ben Igiri as the new State President.
Other members of the newly elected executive are San. Scholastica Beshel, Deputy President; San. Asuquo Henry Eyibio, General Secretary; San. Blessing Inyang, Treasurer; and San. Edwin Ushaka, Vice President, North.
Others are San. Emmanuel Enang, Vice President, Central; San. Otei Epom, Vice President, South; San. Eke Okon Edet, Financial Secretary; San. Emelda Edom, Auditor; and San. Anthony Ugbe, Provost Marshal.
In his acceptance speech, Igiri expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in the new leadership and pledged to run an all-inclusive administration.
He said the new executive would prioritise members’ welfare, professionalism and advocacy, while working to strengthen the practice of Environmental Health and its contribution to public health in Cross River State.
The new president also pledged to work with members and relevant stakeholders to address challenges confronting the profession and improve Environmental Health service delivery across the state.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Heads of Environmental Health facilities to share experiences and deliberate on issues requiring attention to strengthen the effectiveness of Environmental Health services across the state.
The event ended with a renewed commitment by members to the ideals of the association and its enduring motto: “Sanitas, Sanitatum… Omnia Sanitas.”
By Kingsley Agim
