Drive Time:
Adamawa – Taraba (Wukari 4.5hrs)
Taraba – Benue (Makurdi 2.5hrs)
We left Ganye at exactly 6.14am and it was such a long journey to Wukari. It took us another 1 hour to get to Tsokundi primary health centre, a 12-bed, run-down facility. Here we see a mother whose tiny daughter is hanging on to life. She was brought into the clinic in the middle of the night with severe diarrhoea and dehydration when treating her at home with traditional herbs had failed to heal her.
The Clinic-in-Charge, Eric Iyongo says fitting the drip into the little girl’s arm was tricky because of the low lighting source they use (kerosene lanterns). I asked to see the kerosene lanterns and he fished out 4 battered ones from the side of his desk. When we showed Eric how to work the solar lamp gift we had just presented to him and his staff, he burst into loud laughter and chants of prayer for Team Solar Jooce. In turn, we prayed with the little girl and her mother, hoping she would recover quickly.
From Tsokundi, we drove straight into Makurdi to spend the night. Tomorrow, we’re headed to Tse Agberagba, Konshisha LGA, still in Benue state to meet our beneficiary #16, Mrs. Mary Iortyom. Mary is a tailor/petty trader who would like to replace the kerosene lantern she works with for two reasons: the first so she can see better and put less strain on her eyes. Second, to extend her working hours beyond after dark so she can earn more income. We met up with Mrs. Iortyom’s daughter, Vera, in Makurdi and she will be escorting us to Tse Agberagba. Vera is so proud of her mom’s tenacity.
Connectivity
Internet (GPRS/EDGE): Was able to browse using GLO USB modem in Ganye, Makurdi and on the highway between Taraba & Benue state.
Mobile phone: GLO & MTN work ok in Makurdi, although not so well on the highway between Taraba and Benue state. In Ganye, Glo is the stronger of the two networks.
No comments:
Post a Comment