FROM EVEREST EZIHE, Owerri
Worried by the challenges in Nigeria health sectors and the need to give priority attention to rural health, Dr. Chineme Michael Anyaeze has given a thumb up to the Ultra Modern Surgical Theater built, equipped by Mbano National Assembly (MNA), USA and donated to Mbano Joint Hospital, Imo State .
Anyaeze who’s a Surgical Consultant in Urinology disclosed this as Chairman of the occasion during the well attended commissioning and handing overe of the well equipped Surgical Theatre Complex.
He applauded members of Mbano National Assembly, USA for their patriotism and sacrifices especially for the annual medical mission to the historical ancient community which he said have helped in elongating the lives of the populace and called on other well meaning Nigerians living within and in diaspora to emulate the think home empowerment and developmental initiatives.
The Medical icon recalled with sense of grief the death of some members of the organization who are not alive to witness the realization of the giant strides among whom are Dr. Babajide Adeoye, Chief Bartram Uzowuru, Dr. Omeziri and Attn.Chris Obasi.
He also expressed gratitude President Basil Njoku, Dr. Julius Kpaduwa, Chief Louis Anumudu, Bro. Emma Egbuziem, Dr. Olu Albert and Dr. Chuck Okeadu amog others, for their unflinching support to the medical mission since its inception.
Others include His Lordships, Most Rev Dr. Solomon Amatu, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Godson Ukanwa JP, Bishop of Isi ala Mbano Anglican Diocese, the Matrons of the hospital as well as HRH Eze Ephraim Ukpabi, HRH Eze Dr. Clement Okeke, HRH Eze Aloy Onyekachi Igwe for their support and good neighborliness with Mbano Joint Hospital, (MJH) and College of Nursing Sciences Mbano.
Anyaeze who’s popularly known as Ikoro Okigwe further commended the efforts and inputs made by Prof. Maurice Iwu, High Chief Tony Chukwu, Rev. Sr. Dr. Laurette Madu and HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanweh ( Obi Gburugburu of Igboland) to the growth and advancement of the Hospital and College of Nursing Sciences.
According to him, ” with deep sense of appreciation, humility and respect, we recognize members of MNA, USA Inc. as true leaders, who sacrifices their pleasure, comfort and hard earned resources for the sake of others. It’s a clear demonstration and an expression of love, charity, compassion, care and nurture. The cooperation and leadership within this group has yielded to the manifestation of ‘ ibuanyi ndanda’ phenomenon. Keep it up” he advised them.
While enjoining the host communities for the protection of the complex and its equipments, he lamented bitterly that all the former provinces that have been constituted into either zones or states have one or more tertiary hospitals while Okigwe as a senatorial zone has remained a weeping Child of the nation.
He passionately advised members of MNA, USA and other charitable organizations, corporate bodies and philanthropic person’s by quoting a WhatsApp platform post ” your ‘ kindness’ may be treated as your weakness, still be kind. Your ‘help’ to others may go unnoticed, still be helpful. People may often forget your ‘ Good Deeds’ but always do good. It’s between ‘ You and God’ ” he insisted.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Basil Njoku, the National President of MNA who hails from Amaukwu Obollo community in Isiala Mbano LGA informed that the complex contain’s all the needed medical equipments as obtainable in America and that the theatre can convinently conduct four surgeries at a time.
Njoku advised the people on the need to be discpline and demonstrate high sense of humility, trust and confidence in patronizing and protecting the complex.
Earlier in his speech, Dr. Francis Alocha, Director Medical Services, Imo State Ministry of Health who ably represented the Commissioner, Dr Prosper Ohayagha, commended members of MNA, USA for their humanitarian gestures especially on matters concerning the rural people’s health.
The Commissioner however disclosed the state government commitment towards the health of the people and assured them of the Shared Prosperity administration’s willingness in having a collaborative partnership with them in matters concerning good, visionary and purposeful governance.
Adding his voice, HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanweh, the traditional ruler of Ihim ancient kingdom and Gburugburu 1 of Igboland described Mbano National Assembly of USA as pacesetters in rural communal welfare, transformation and development.
The reverred Royal Father canvassed on the need for people to make optimal use of the complex and it’s world class equipments in terms of patronage and protection.
Ohanweh who expressed satisfaction with legacy achievements of Governor Hope Uzodimma led administration passionately advised the state government on the need to give adequate attention towards rehabilitation and building of rural health centres and facilities as well as capacity building .
Responding, Rev. Sr. Mary Trinitas Umeh, the hospital’s Matron thanked MNA, USA for their labour love to their people and their ancestral home describing the Surgical Theatre and it’s equipments as world class.
While Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Amatu, the Bishop of Okigwe Catholic Diocese also lauded the donors and financiers for their think home philosophy and commitment in the welfare of their people even as he lamented over the problems of insecurities, drugs abuse and youths restiveness within and outside the environment.
The Cleric further commended Eze Oliver Ohanweh for his bridge roles in the protection and development of the hospital established since 1962 by his predecessor late Bishop Anthony Eleonu.
Amatu opined that the hospital has remained a role model before its contemporaries while expressed disappointment on the State government for the stoppage of subventions, aids and grants to the hospital since 4 years ago and advised on the need for a rethink.
For Most Rev Dr Godson Ukanwa JP, the Bishop of Isiala Mbano Anglican Diocese, recalled that Mbano as an ancient city is loved by God and thus, it has all it takes for an accelerated development and transformation
Ukanwa expressed the need for 60% indigenous equity holdings in all sectors of the hospital while other stakeholders outside the indigenous communities should be in control of the remaining 40%.
He thanked God for the project, pointing out that people should be conscious that the contributors belongs to different denominations and further canvassed the need for its sustainable maintenance.
Highlights of the occasion was the cutting of the complex tape by the two bishops, two prominent traditional rulers and the hospital Matron signifying that the complex has been commissioned as well as a meritorious- Community Service Award to Dr. Chineme Michael Anyaeze, MBBS (IB) FWACS, FICS, by Mbano National Assembly, USA, endorsed by Mr. Basil Ugo Njoku, the National President.
According to them ” it’s in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Mbano National Assembly Medical Mission for 18 years, and Outstanding, Selfless Services To Our Community”
