By Ovat Abeng
A Foundation, Ide Global Movement (IGM), has offset the medical bills of about 17 patients admitted at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital COOUTH Amaku-Awka, Anambra State.
The foundation, which visited the state government-owned hospital on Saturday, said it was committed to helping vulnerable people all around the world, particularly, unemployed youths, orphans, nursing mothers, children, widows as well as the sick ones.
It was gathered that the foundation visited the Mother/Child Referral Centre, special care baby’s unit, male and female surgical wards respectively and a sum of 3.5 million naira was paid for the purpose.
Speaking during the visit, the founder of the foundation, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor (Ide-Umuaulu), said the gesture was born out of the passion of the foundation to help the vulnerable people in the society.
He said the gesture was part of the activities to mark his 53rd birthday and that of his first son, Prince Chimezie Azubuike Ekweozor (jr.).
According to Ekweozor, who was represented by the Foundation’s coordinator, Comrade Casmail Obiogbolu, “This foundation which was established decade ago is aimed at supporting and helping vulnerable people around the world, particularly the unemployed youths, orphans, nursing mothers, children as well as the widows and that’s why we are in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching hospital Amaku-Awka to put smiles on the faces of some patients who were not able to settle their hospital bills.
“We have been in this humanitarian mission for decade to contribute our quarters for a better society. We have supported a lot of vulnerable people and we will continue so long the world exist.
“We are asking the general public to please join us in this course in ensuring necessary support for the needies around us,” Obiogbolu advocated.
Her remarks, the Nurse in charge of the Male/Female Surgical Wards of the teaching hospital Ms Ibekwe Louisa, said the gesture of the foundation was a laudable and commendable one.
She appealed to other non-governmental organisations and foundations to emulate Ide Global Movement to look for vulnerable people, and extend a helping hand to them.
“What the Foundation has done should be commended by all. We are very much grateful and we pray God Almighty to continue to bless the founder (Ide-Umuaulu), his family and the foundation management team at large, Ms Louisa concluded.
Some of the beneficiaries, Mr. Chigozie Nwanibe, Mr. Ekene Anekwe and Nneka Ndubuisi, in their separate appreciations, while wishing the benefactor a happy birthday, also pray God to continue to increase him in all his endeavors.
The Foundation also pay a visit to Divine Mercy Compassion Home (Orphanage) Amawbia-Awka, where donation of food items where equally made to celebrate the day.