Fides Media Living the Faith
By Uchechukwu Enem
On 5th January, 2020, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most. Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, blessed Healthlink Hospital, Okija, which was built by Dr. Chika Ifebuzor in memory of his parents, Sir Chukwuemeka Clement & Lady Josephine Nwaforobi Ifebuzor
Delivering the homily at Christ the King Catholic Church, Okija, the bishop talked about the kingship of Jesus and kingship of Herod. He urged Christians to learn to give back to the church and to help the church grow.
During the blessing of the hospital, the bishop said that the hospital should project the positive intention which is to protect life and not to damage life through abortion practices. He prayed over the hospital to bring forth healing and blessing upon any sick person visiting the hospital. He said that the hospital was affordable with exceptional originality.
During the opening of the hospital by Mayor of Brent London, Ernest Ezeajughi, said that the hospital is aimed at providing highly skilled, safe and affordable comprehensive care to the people of Okija and its neighboring communities. He thanked Dr. Ifebuzor, for conceiving such humanitarian thought in helping the medical condition of his community.
At the reception, Dr Onyekwelu Bielu, gave a brief citation of Dr Ifebuzor, his long-time friend and colleague. He spoke so much about him especially their life journey and escapades and thanked him for showing so much generosity to his community.
In his remarks, the Medical Director of Helathlink Medical Centre, Dr Ifebuzor, said that he has a bigger vision for the hospital facility. He said the hospital was built to support the community; adding that the hospital is aimed at offering cheap and quality services to the community. He said that the main reason why he built the hospital was to continue from where his parents stopped.
According to him, his parents built the Okija Central Maternity Home in 1959 but the Healthlink hospital is an extended service of the foundation his parents already laid. He said that the hospital is aimed at rendering free services in some areas quarterly.
Dr Ifebuzor told Fides that the Josephine Nwaforobi Foundation was a way of fulfilling the dream and passion of his mum towards mothers and children. He said that the foundation is aimed at helping mothers who deliver in the hospital and cannot afford the bills. He thanked all who came to the event and for all those who supported him to make the event a success.
Present at the occasion were medical practitioners like Dr. Onyekwelu Bielu, Dr. Chukwuanugo N. Ogbuagu, Dr. Evaristus Afiadigwe; traditional ruler of Okija, HRM Igwe Emeka Okezie, statutory bodies in the church, friends and well-wishers.