By Emeka Chiaghanam
Residents of Amikwo,
Awka and neighbouring communities gathered at the Manari Osonwa Primary Health
Centre in Obunagu Village, Amikwo Community, Awka, as the Awka Union USA-Canada
Medical Mission returned with another round of free medical services aimed at
supporting both indigenes and non-indigenes living in the area.
The outreach,
which drew elderly people, women, youths and children, was held at the health
centre located in Obunagu Village, one of the communities in Awka South Local
Government Area of Anambra State.
Speaking
during the exercise, the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the
medical mission and Secretary of the Manari Osonwa Primary Health Centre, Mr
Felix Chukwunenye Onwuegbune, described the programme as a life-changing
intervention that has continued to ease the medical burdens faced by many
families.
According to
him, the medical mission has become a major source of relief for residents who
struggle daily with the high cost of healthcare.
“This
programme is for both Awka indigenes and non-indigenes,” he said. “We are very
happy because many of the medical challenges people are facing are being solved
through this mission.”
Mr Onwuegbune
praised the Awka Union USA-Canada for what he described as a consistent
commitment to giving back to their homeland.
He said
members of the association had continued to remember their roots by returning
every two years to organise free healthcare services for the people.
According to
him, the 2026 edition marks the fifth medical mission organised by the group,
following the fourth edition held in 2024.
He described
the initiative as a shining example of community development driven by private
individuals and diaspora support.
“This is
their own way of helping the community they come from,” he added. “It shows love,
sacrifice and commitment to the wellbeing of the people.”
Mr Onwuegbune
also explained why the Manari Osonwa Primary Health Centre was chosen as the
venue for the programme.
He said the
health facility was built by an illustrious son of Obunagu Village, Chief Onuora
Godwin Osonwa, popularly known as Akudo Awka, as a personal contribution to the
wellbeing of his people.
According to
him, the facility was established free of charge for the benefit of residents
of Obunagu Village and the wider Amiukwo community.
He disclosed
that the health centre was later handed over to the Anambra State Government in
2025 during a ceremony represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam
Obidike, on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Despite the
government takeover, he said members of the community still play active roles
in supporting the daily running of the centre.
“There is
what government will do and there is what the community must also do,” he said.
Mr Onwuegbune
noted that Chief Osonwa has continued to provide financial support to ensure
the steady growth and smooth operation of the facility even after handing it
over to the state government.
He explained
that the health centre now handles several essential healthcare services
including antenatal care, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing and child
delivery for pregnant women.
According to
records from the facility, he said more than 10 successful deliveries have
already taken place there since the government assumed control.
He revealed
that the first woman to give birth at the centre came from Ebonyi State.
In what many
residents described as a rare act of generosity, Mr Onwuegbune said the
facilitator of the project and one of his associates donated a total of N1.6
million to support the family after the safe delivery.
He explained
that part of the money was used to buy food items, baby products and household
supplies including rice, yam, milk and pampers, while the remaining cash was
handed directly to the family.
He added that
subsequent deliveries at the facility have also attracted various forms of
support ranging from cash gifts to free baby items for nursing mothers.
According to
him, such acts of kindness are gradually becoming part of the culture of the
health centre.
Beyond healthcare
services, Mr Onwuegbune said the centre has also become a place of empowerment
for young people in the community.
He also
revealed that a free Information and Communication Technology training centre
was established within the community to equip young people with digital skills.
According to
him, students who complete the ICT training programme are often empowered with
free laptop computers to help them continue learning and build careers in
technology.
“We pay the
teachers while the students learn free,” he said. “It is another way of helping
the younger generation.”
Mr Onwuegbune
further explained that although the government now oversees the hospital, Chief
Osonwa still sponsors monthly medical outreach services through visiting
doctors who attend to patients free of charge.
He said the
medical doctors visit the facility at least once every month to provide
consultations and treatment at no cost to residents.
He described
the initiative as a lasting tribute to the late mother of the philanthropist,
in whose memory the health centre was named.
For many
residents who turned out for the medical mission, the programme was not just
about treatment, but also about hope, compassion and the power of community
support.
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