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.
