The Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, on Friday, officially opened a newly completed humanitarian-oriented centre in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, amidst pomp and celebration.
The new centre, known as the Seraphic Psychiatric Hospital and Old People’s Home, was built through the non-denominational Zion Prayer Movement Outreach as part of its humanitarian mission to provide free healthcare and welfare services, especially for mentally challenged persons and the elderly. The commissioning ceremony attracted a mammoth crowd of Zionites, top government functionaries, and other dignitaries.
Prior to the event, the popular prophet, Ebuka Obi, who stormed Anambra State via the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, landed aboard an Air Peace Airlines flight alongside former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Shortly after their arrival, exchange of pleasantries, and warm reception; the Evangelist proceeded to the State Government House (Light House), Awka, where Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo warmly welcomed him. Obi, during the exchange of pleasantries, lauded the aesthetics and the magnificence of the New Government House, describing it as comparable to international standards.
Governor Soludo thereafter accompanied the him to Aguleri for the commissioning of the new centre.
Speaking at the event, Evangelist Obi described the project as the fulfilment of his lifelong dream of providing free care for mentally challenged persons and the elderly in society. He noted that while such facilities abound abroad, making it difficult to see mentally challenged persons loitering the streets and markets, the reverse is unfortunately the reality in Nigeria, where mentally ill persons are often left to roam the streets without care. He expressed joy that the vision he had nurtured since his childhood had finally become reality in Anambra.
According to him, the hospital would provide free accommodation, free treatment, and free medication to mentally challenged persons until they fully recover and are reintegrated with their families. He further announced that Zion Ministry would provide dedicated vehicles and hotlines for the public to call whenever mentally ill persons are spotted on the streets, assuring that such individuals would be picked up and admitted into the centre and provided with every necessary care, all free of charge.
While recalling that similar facilities, best orphanage home and the elderly people’s home, were also earlier opened in Imo State by Zion sometime last month; the Evangelist also reaffirmed his commitment to continue using his Ministry to improve lives of people and making the society a better place.
Also speaking, Governor Soludo, in his brief remarks before cutting the tape, hailed Evangelist Obi for what he described as a monumental and life-changing vision. He said the project was overwhelming in both scale and purpose, stressing that it was the type of work that deserved to be celebrated, emulated and supported.
“I am short of words with what I’m seeing here today. I want to thank you, Ebuka Obi, for this magnificent project and humanitarian gesture. For you to build this centre where people will receive free services and free treatment is extraordinary. I want to say to you, you have a partner here in the Anambra State Government,” the Governor declared.
The Governor further pledged to work out a monthly support package to help Zion meet the recurring costs of feeding, medication and care for the projected 300–400 inmates the centre is expected to host. Given that the facility is going to be fully operational from next month, the Governor said the State Government would communicate the exact terms of its support before full operations commence at the centre.
Based on some needs earlier observed, Governor Soludo also directed his Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, who incidentally hails from the area to intervene on the electricity need by providing a transformer to ensure constant electricity at the facility. He also promised rapid intervention on rehabilitation and tarring of the road leading to the centre, for better accessibility.
Recounting his interest in such act of kindness and humanitarianism, the Governor recalled his recent visits to hospitals, prisons, other welfare and psychiatric centres, including Nawfia during his recent birthday, and assured that his government will continue to partner with philanthropic organisations to expand social services across the state. The governor also recalled that the state had secured about five hectares of land at Isiagu to build Old People’s Home, which also aligns with the vision.
While acknowledging that these are what government ought to be doing; Soludo, however, said government alone cannot do it.
“But when men of goodwill step in, as Zion Ministry has done, we must partner with them to build a better society. Anambra celebrates you, my brother, and Nigeria celebrates you,” he concluded.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the centre, which sits on about 35 plots of land, comprises five gigantic buildings equipped for psychiatric care and elderly welfare.
Shortly after the inauguration of the center, Evangelist Obi, in his usual way, also had a moment of prayer and deliverance session with the mammoth crowd, during which he also gave out cash gifts to some sick and less-privileged persons in attendance.
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