… as Rev.Dr Uma Ukpai laments underdevelopment of Oji River.
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Pained by the dearth of viable hospital with modern medical facilities within Oji River local government area and neighbouring communities, the Diocese of Oji River (Anglican Communion) has assured it will rise to the challenge by instituting a school of nursing within the diocese and a beffitting medical hospital that will be equipped with modern facilities.
The Bishop of the diocese,Rt. Rev’d Dr. Ikechukwu Egwuonu, disclosed this on Sunday, April 28, at a church service to mark the end of a 7-day ‘Healing and Miracle Crusade’organised by the diocese.
Taking the bull by the horn, Rt.Rev. Dr Egwuonu, announced that the diocese will be rendering a two week free medical services to the members of the public at the renovated ‘Bishop Orris Walker’ hospital and Maternity,owned by the diocese, from Thursday,August 1.
He urged members of the diocese and the general public to take advantage of the free medicare services to check their health status and be treated freely.
Speaking further, he disclosed that arrangements have been concluded for the School of Nursing being established by the diocese to take off in the month of September this year even as proposals for the building of a magnificient hospital complex owned by the diocese has reached advanced stage.
The guest preacher of the crusade, Rev.Dr. Uma Ukpai,while speaking earlier at the crusade ground on Saturday,July 27th night,lamented the current state of under development of Oji River Urban and prophesied that the town will be remembered henceforth, stating that the town will witness astronomical socio-infrastructural development between the next five to ten years.
According to him, Oji River as a town was discovered by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) who first set foot in Onitsha about 167 years ago. Thereafter, about 120 years ago, the CMS advanced to Oji River with the gospel of Christianity,building schools and hospital, including the Leprosy Settlement at Oji River town.
Rt.Dr Uma Ukpai fulfilled his pledge of two mlllion naira in support of the evangelism and free medical services at Bishop Orris Hospital and Martenity compkex, initiated by the Bishop of Oji River diocese,Rt.Rev.Dr. Egwuonu, during the church service on Sunday,July 28, before leaving for his base, in Uyo Akwa Ibom state.
