By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and a philanthropist, Ken Imansuagbon,aka Rice Man, has called on the State and Federal Governments to as a matter of urgency find away to solve the recent state of poverty in the country , especially hunger as citizens can longer afford their daily needs.
Ken Imansuagbon, made the call on Friday at an award presentation ceremony organised by the Centre For Edo / Delta Development Initiative held in Benin City.
Represented by Honourable Princewill Ogunnubi, Imansuagbon who was bestowed with an award of appreciation in recognition of his invaluable and financial support for the society, said he believes that there is a need for us to wipe out hunger from our society, hence he has been putting efforts to reach the society by giving out rice every year especially during the festivity.
According to him, “It is no longer funny how Nigerians wakes up everyday to see changes in prices of commodities and this have left many frustrated and distraught.
“I feel there is need for the government to come in now by way of setting up a system where these prices can be controlled because things cannot be allowed to continue this way.
“We can no longer continue with this arbitrary increase in prices of commodities, people are dying of hardship and this needs to be checked,” he stated.
He said, “I am informed that CEDDI Skills Acquisition Centre & Diabetic Care Clinic started as an itinerant concept where healthcare and vocational skills such as Cosmetology, Catering, Beauty care etc are brought to the doorstep of the people who are among the not-so-privileged.
“This idea was a response to the pervasive problem of poverty, hunger, joblessness and sickness among the people.
“This initiative has grown since the last ten years with several landmark achievements and expenditure running to over N500 million.
“I am very proud of our father, the Iyase of Benin, Chief Dr Sam Udiyinwe Igbe (MON), and other members of the board, partners and friends of CEDDI Skills Acquisition Centre and Diabetic Clinic, who have kept the dream of this initiative alive. Through this initiative, thousands of our people have been given livelihood skills and empowered to set up their own businesses, as well as the Diabetic Clinic which is the first of it’s kind in the country.”
“This private initiative, I must say, is also in line with the desire of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, in ensuring that the youths of the state are engaged in productive ventures by provision of skills and 4 centres in the state.
“I want to encourage our graduants to take advantage of these opportunities provided by CEDDI to better their lives. After one year of training, today is the day many of you have been looking forward to and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
“I must thank the Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, for creating this enabling environment for this initiative to strive. I want to call on other Edo State stakeholders to take a cue from this initiative from our Governor Godwin Obaseki and our father, Chief Sam Igbe.” he concluded.