BY: Enem Remigus & Ejiofor Obiora

UNTHNEWS ONLINE

History was made in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, as the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Obinna Onodugo along with his siblings, in honour of their late parents, Prince Donatus and Ezinne Lucy Onodugo, of Umuavulu Abor, adopts the Female Medical Ward of the institution.

The Onodugo siblings, led by the eldest son, who is also the traditional ruler of Umuavulu Abor kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Chike Paschal Onodugo, the Ujaligwa lll of Umuavulu Abor, completely remodeled and upgraded facilities in the ward.

In his opening remarks during the commissioning of the ward, the CMD praised God for what he terms a dream come true. In his words, “Why I’m practically so elated today is because this is a dream that is going to totally and radically transform this hospital.”

The CMD paid glowing tribute to his siblings, especially his elder brother, stating that the “adopt a ward” initiative they embark on is an uncommon one in the history of the nation. He then encouraged everyone to key into the initiative.

In his speech before cutting the ribbon, the leader of the delegation, Igwe Onodugo, expressed delight in the level of infrastructural development that the hospital is enjoying under the current management. He commended the management strategy of partnering with interested organizations, groups, and individuals in order to fund the hospital’s projects.

He stated that what he and his siblings have done is just to contribute to the good things happening in the hospital. Moving further, he said, “our family shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Female Medical Ward for an initial period of three years. I encourage good-spirited individuals and cooperate bodies to partner with the hospital for the good of patients.”

In a brief remark, the Director of Catholic Institute of Development, Justice, Peace and Caritas (CIDJAP), Monsignor, Prof. Obiora Ike, thanked the Onodugo family for initiating a developmental plan uncommon in Nigerian hospitals. He further pleaded with would be users of the facility to do so with care.

In attendance were the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Joy Eze, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Obi Uche, DCMACS, Heads of Department, Consultants, and members of the UNTH Community.

High points of the occasion were the formal cutting of tape to mark the official commissioning of the facility by HRM Dr. Chike Paschal Onodugo and a facility tour of the ward by participants.