UTA Plans Hospital, Others For FCT Communities

Nigeria Office of United Towns Agency (UTA) is embarking on humanitarian activities in vulnerable rural communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The new UTA country president in Nigeria, Princess Abigail Amalaha, who revealed this in Abuja, said the organisation’s focus is on scaling up access of FCT rural communities to safe drinking water, qualitative healthcare and education.

She said, “Our first set of rural community projects are construction of two modern hospitals, rehabilitation and equipping of two primary schools in FCT, Abuja. The choice of the locations of these projects will be determined by the UTA Board in consultation with the FCT Traditional Rulers Council.

“It is a thing of regret and shame that we still find several rural communities in FCT, Abuja, bereft of basic social amenities. We cannot fold our arms and leave everything to the government.”

On funding for the project, she said the organisation was raising intervention funds for the various humanitarian projects, stating that the official launch is slated for September, 2022 in Abuja, Lagos and the six geopolitical zones where their activities and impact are to be felt.

Amalaha also said that it is within the work plan of UTA to seek to defend the political rights of Nigerian electorates in the 2023 general elections by ensuring that their votes count, saying free, fair and transparent elections are the bulwark of a democratic government.

“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. We will be working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” she said.

UTA is a United Nations accredited Non-Governmental Organisation that promotes North-South Cooperation. The organisation was founded in 1986 with membership in over 110 countries.

Appointed as board members of UTA in Nigeria are the Sa’peyi of Garki, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Usman Nga-Kupi; director of public affairs of NAFDAC, Dr Abubakar Jimoh, and a seasoned journalist, consummate film producer and philanthropist, Dr Chike Okogwu.