From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
In living up to its slogan, “Dedicated to helping those in need to become independent and self-sufficient,” the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) recently provided free medical services to over 2,000 residents of Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Their joy and excitement knew no bounds as the beneficiaries, including the young and elderly, were offered free tests, drugs, scan, eye glasses and counselling, among other services, in collaboration with Rotary Club and Oraifite Improvement Union (OIU).
Chairman of the event, Chief Medical Director, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, said people of the area were privileged to have their benefactor, Sir Emeka Offor, as one of their own. He pledged the teaching hospital’s commitment in replicating similar free medical outreach at the permanent site of the hospital.
The SEOF coordinator, Sir Tony Obi, in his remarks, appreciated guests who honoured the outreach and offered heartfelt prayers to Sir Emeka Offor for his relentless efforts in serving humanity through the 24/7 free medical services provided at the SEOF clinic.
He disclosed that the Foundation had embarked on free medical treatments for over 15 years while the founder, Sir Emeka Offor, had severally sponsored major health treatments, including liver transplants and eye surgery overseas. He added that the beneficiaries all survived and are living their normal lives till date.
“This collaboration became necessary for these three entities because of the common interest each has for the health of the people around, apart from alleviating poverty.
“For us at the Foundation, part of our cardinal objective is health, hence the SEOF scheme since inception had embarked on free medical treatments since August 2008, about 15 years now. Serious referral cases are lodged with tertiary Hospitals such as NAUTH and others. The medical bills of such referrals are borne by the SEOF.
“Our founder is neck deep into ways and manners of bringing succour to the infirm in the society across board. To these effect, he has contributed immensely towards diseases eradication by using his Foundation (SEOF) and his business links to sponsor health programmes such as the Rotary International Club (polio eradication) and Carter Foundation (river blindness, etc).
“The Rotary Club collaboration is of essence because of its commitment in health affairs where members use their talent, treasure and time in handling health programmes. Thus their volunteers would be of immense help to this mission by these qualities for which they are known for.
“The present OIU executives are health conscious. No wonder the PG is instrumental in engaging the T.B screening team to be part of this mission; they are conscious of her populace knowing the state of their health,” he said.
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Somto Udeze, commended the Foundation for the gesture, describing it as greatest gift to humanity.
“There’s no greater gift one can offer to his people than such that has to do with life and health, especially the elderly and indigent.
“Many of these people we are seeing here may find it difficult to see a doctor in the next three years for lack of money. So, this is a rare opportunity Sir Emeka Offor is offering his people,” he said.
While praying for God’s blessings on the benefactor, Udeze challenged other public spirited individuals to emulate him in assisting government in providing community development related services to the people.
He said the government has plans to replicate Primary Health Centres in all communities in the state as well as create general hospitals in local government areas they do not exist.
Mrs Mary Obike, who received free eye glass and drugs after doctor’s examination, expressed immense gratitude to the organisers for touching their lives positively.
Traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Dan Udoji, remarked that the community has benefitted from various noble projects of Sir Emeka Offor through the Foundation. He lauded such think-home initiative and the need for more people to work in that direction.
Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Ikenna Ofodeme, and President General of the community, Sir Vic Dike among others all graced the programme.
About Author
