By Uzo Ugwunze
Osisioma Foundation has offered free medical treatments to scores of patients, especially the elderly and the vulnerable in Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state in line with its vision of bettering lives.
The medical treatments included medicated glasses and drugs to the patients as well as various tests.
Speaking during the flag-off of the exercise at Umunya Town Hall, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Hon chief Collins Nwabunwanne commended the foundation for the gesture.
He described the President of the foundation, Dr Chike Obidigbo as a humanitarian who has touched lives of many, especially the widows and the less privileged in the society.
Nwabunwanne who identified himself as a member of the founder said he came to celebrate the great man and to express gratitude to God for keeping and sustaining Obidigbo.
While reiterating Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to sustenance of peace and tranquility in all communities in the state, he called on communities to elect leaders with vision and capacity in the class of the President- General of Umunya Development Union, Chief Chinedu Ekwugha who he said has track records of achievements.
Earlier, President of Osisioma foundation, Dr Chike Obidigbo restated his commitment to rendering selfless Service to humanity.
He said he had never embarked on any venture for selfish reasons, stressing that the free medical programme of the foundation was for humanitarian purposes.
He said, “The foundation regularly provides funds for the sustenance of the elderly and people who cannot take care of themselves.
“The medical mission is the first of its kind and will be sustained to benefit other communities since the foundation exists in all parts of Anambra state and beyond.”
Expressing regrets that government was not doing enough to assist young people, he encouraged youths to engage in activities that will help reduce unemployment and criminality.
On the forthcoming Anambra state governorship Election Dr obidigbo said the people of the state were prayerful, expressing optimism that God in his infinite mercy would help raise somebody that would achieve the best for the people if the need arises.
Also speaking, Chairman, Oyi local Government Area, Dr Emma Nweke said he was impress with the attention and priority given to health by the osisioma foundation.
Nweke, represented by Chief of Staff, Senior Apostle Chijioke Ozoemena explained that that life would never be meaningful without good health.
While noting that Soludo had turned around the health sector, making it condusive for the people of the state, Nweke called on well meaning individuals to emulate the Osisioma foundation intiative, while asking God to bless the founder.
He commended President- General, Umunya Development Union Chief Chinedu Ekwugha for providing befitting place for Ojiana people and the Teaching Hospital perimeter fencing project.
President-General, Umunya Development Union, Chief Chinedu Ekwugha on his part, described the day as special for the community, while appealing to Dr Obidigbo to make the medical mission an annual event.
He noted that the community had experienced rapid development in recent time due to the contributions of well meaning Umunya people, praying for God’s continued blessings and sound health on Obidigbo to enable him serve Umunya Community.
Director- General, Osisioma foundation sir Ralph Nwike pledged continued identification with the vision of the foundation.
“There is nothing one can do as a leader without touching lives. The foundation is a global organization with more than 7000 members with structures throughout the entire state.
“The foundation is building a system that will make things work better for the citizenry,” he added.
Two patients, Mrs Rose nweke and mr onwuzume nwafor, in their separate remarks, expressed satisfaction with the attention given to them by the medical team.
Some of the prominent personalities present during the programme were Chief Tony Edochie, Dr Ben Obidigbo, Pastor Nick ibeh, lMrs Adaeze obieze and Emma obidigbo among others.
Highlights of the event was awards presented to management of Umunya Community Bank, management of Hardis and Dromedas, Umunya Development union, Nonyez ventures and Astranad pharmaceuticals, who were all partners in the medical outreach.