Everest Ezihe || Imo State Government under the leadership of Governor Rochas Okorocha has commended Ogwa sons and daughters of Alaenyi extraction living in South Africa but are members of Ogwa Unity Forum (OUF) for their sacrifice in ensuring the upliftment and renovation of their ancestral general hospital and asked other Imolites in the diaspora to emulate them.
Governor Okorocha said this during the commissioning of the Resident Doctors apartment, call room and fencing of the entire General Hospital by the aforementioned.
The Governor who was ably presented at the well-attended occasion by Dr. Francis Egwuekwa, the State Acting Chief Executive of Hospital Management Board lamented the absence of the Governor who was in high spirit to commission the communal self-effort projects but regretted that emergency call to duty warranted her absence.
He expressed satisfaction that eminent sons and daughters of Ogwa extraction living in diaspora and in collaboration with their patriotic home based kinsmen responded to his clarion call of think home philosophy because there is no place like home and that it would be an immortal sin if our generation will out of stupidity allow the legacies of our founding fathers to rot in vain.
Okorocha highlighted most of his administration achievements in the health sector which include building 27 General Hospitals in the 27 Local Government Areas of the state and also informed that some of the hospitals have been ceded to security agencies for efficient and effective health care delivery systems to the masses.
He also announced health at your doorstep programme as well as 24 hours health emergency calls and enjoined the people for optimal patronage and advised the people on the need for patronage.
The Governor further stated a lot of reform his administration embarks upon especially the Community Insurance Health Scheme which he said is to assist the rural dwellers and accelerated access to an improved health.
In his speech, Dr. Robinson Dike, the President General of Alaeze Ogwa expressed gratitude to members of Ogwa expressed gratitude to members of Ogwa Unity Forum for the patriotic and progressive ideas and enjoined them not to relent in spite of the antics of opposition.
Dike disclosed that the General Hospital which is now a shadow of itself was built in 1959 and commissioned in 1964 was an identity of the ancient kingdom due to its quality health care delivery system then.
He pointed out that at a time the hospital was the center for treatment of yellow fever in the state.
Mr. Ify Iwuanaynwu, the Women Coordinator of Ogwa Unity Forum (OUF) reiterated the need for adequate patronage and proper environmental upkeep.
Mr. Emeka Olua, representing Alaenyi Ogwa sons and daughters in South Africa that bankrolled the Multi-Million Naira project and a frontline member of Ogwa Unity Forum said that even though they are over 500 persons of Alaenyi Ogwa extraction living in south Africa that they are only 45 registered members that made the enormous sacrifice.
Olua expressed the commitment of his members to contribute immensely in the growth and development of the ancient kingdom but called for adequate patronage and protection.
Responding, Dr. Obinna Ozims the Resident Doctor, gave the credit of the project to untiring effort of ken Nwaguma and noted that the state government has special respect and regards for the General hospital informing that the state ceded most of her General Hospitals for privatization but excluded Ogwa General Hospital.
Ozims also informed that due to the renovation of the hospital complex that two resident medical doctors have been posted to the hospital while assuring of efforts to ensure patronage and environmental protections.
Among members of Ogwa Unity Forum in attendance and led by Hon. Ken Nwaguma who also acted as Chairman of the occasion and represented HRH Eze Goddy Ejiofor (Eze Agu) of Alaenyi Ogwa were Rtn. Everest Ezihe, Engr. Chukwumeka Ononiwu, Sir Ben Emekoma, Mr. Laburuno Ukaegbu, Mr. Emma Ekwonna, Dr. Sam Chinaka and Mr. Chisom Olua among others.