COMMUNITY SENSITISATION WORKSHOP , VANDEIKYA TOWNSHIP, 2026
The one-day hybrid workshop conducted at the Vandeikya Township Hall involved virtual and in- person presenters. In the midst of technical hitches, Professor Sam Sam-Wobo, President, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), delivered a guest lecture on the theme: Global Warming and the Epidemiology of Preventable Fecal Oral Diseases (PFODs). The lecture was tailored to a general audience of mixed specialities. Thus, his presentation, which was also later summarised and translated in Tiv, was both accessible and highly appreciated by all. Prof Sam-Wobo commended Dr Aver Maria Hemben for supporting her community of origin, Vandeikya.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

It was an honour and privilege to participate in an event with experts from Parasite and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), Yola branch, led by the branch co-ordinator Professor Rebecca Napthali. Presentations on the theme: “Tropical Disease Transmission” were made to secondary sch00l students. The talks were on environmental sanitation, hand-washing, and personal and oral hygiene practices aimed at disrupting transmission of faeco-oral parasites and promoting health. The students were encouraged to observe recommended hygiene practices and behaviour while in school, at home and in the community. This educational outreach is in line with MTRIAD objectives to collaborate with academia and industry experts to promote science.

MTRIAD Anniversary

MTRIAD Anniversary event was an opportunity to reflect on past events and plan for future networking events and collaboration.

Lecture series

Participation was great and discussions interesting.

Dr Aver Maria Hemben was born to Late Navy Commodore Peter Ayomger Hemben (1940-1994) of Mbapin, Mbakaange, Vandeikya, and Late Mrs Diane Demvihin Hemben JP , Nee Iperen Ugba of Mbagbon, Mbanev, Mkar (1942-1924). Prior to her mother’s demise, Dr Aver Maria Hemben, Founder and Director of her own private limited company, Maria Theresa Research Innovation And Development (MTRIAD) Ltd., UK, received her mother’s approval and blessing to extend MTRIAD services to her country / community of origin. Thus, she sought permission from the Mayor, Vandeikya.

The event was attended by over 100 participants from within Vandeikya. Prominent among the attendees were HRH Nyiyongo Achiaku, Ter Kunav, who was also the Chief Host, and HH Chief John Mary Jechira Iorhemen, Mayor Vandeikya Township, who was also the Host. Traditional leaders were also in attendance at the workshop. The initiative to establish MTRIAD NIGERIA LTD in Vandeikya was well received and welcomed by the mayor. The mayor requested the community to welcome MTRIAD Nigeria Ltd in Vandeikya in due course.

Dr Aver Maria Hemben (PhD-Development of Immunosensors to Detect Malaria, UK and PhD-Metallic Nanocarrier Targeting Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer, UK) received special praise from HRH Nyiyongo Achiaku, Ter Kunav and all in attendance. HRH proceeded to extend his Royal Blessing to Dr Aver Maria Hemben, which she received and grace and gratitude. Dr Aver Maria Hemben, in her response, acknowledged the gracious and kind support and encouragement of both Ter Kunav, Mayor Vandeikya Township, Traditional Chiefs and members of the community.

The event was locally managed by facilitators and volunteers who contributed time and talent to speak and provide technical, prayer, and moral support, which positively affected the successful outcome of the event. Dr Aver Maria Hemben especially thanks Revd Msgr Michael Nyitor Buter Abagi, Revd Fr Shimael Patrick VC, Bro Desmond Namakaa KSJI, Mr James Alu Kaior, Dr Engr Samuel David Iyaghigba, Erenmayo Olakunle, Linda Ladi Mchivga, Mimihembadoon Mary Ichugh, Evangelist Alu Ann Hemben, Joy Nguseer Okechukwu and Aondohemba Mark Ichugh.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of five (5) toilet units to the Mayor, Vandeikya Township Hall.

Comments from participants include:
“God bless and keep you Ma” – Joy Nguseer Okechukwu

                                      "Mum, God will bless you for all the good things you do for us and all the humanitarian works you do" - Mimihembadoon Mary Ichugh 

“It is a beautiful thing to be part of this event” Erenmayo Olakunle
Erenmayo’s presentation was titled- Handwashing- a small action that saves lives.

“Thanks for supporting your community” – Professor Sam Sam-Wobo, President PPSN

“This is to appreciate the Founder of MTRIAD, Dr. Aver Maria HEMBEN for this wonderful initiative and for success of this impactful event.
During my presentation on global warming, I encouraged the community members to live eco-friendly lifestyles; that is, reuse, recycle, and sustainability farming” – James Alu Kaior

“The event was fruitful and educative. Thank you, and may God bless you richly for your kindness, commitment, sacrifice, and generosity” – Revd Fr Patrick Shimael VC

“Thank you ” – Evangelist Alu Ann Hemben

“Well done for inviting me to participate in the event, Dr. It was well attended ” – Linda Ladi Mchivga

“Congratulations for successfully staging a hybrid presentation of a highly specialized subject to Vandeikya, literally to the “ends” of Benue State.

I was privileged to listen to Prof Sammy Sam-Wobo talk about Global Warming and Epidemiology of Preventable Fecal Oral Diseases. His presentation was precise, informative and down to earth. I believe that participants went away with many practical insights on how to tackle the link between climate change, the environment and basic personal hygiene. Sensitization of the local communities should help demystify these issues and allow individuals to integrate the solutions into their lives to improve their health.
Congratulations to MTRIAD, the Vandeikya leadership and community for taking steps to enrich their knowledge and make a difference to their lives” – Queenite Liz Ahua