ONYEJEOCHA: HEALTH, HOPE AND HUMANITY- 17 YEARS OF IMPACTING RURAL NIGERIA
BY EMAMEH GABRIEL
In the quiet corners of rural Nigeria, where the struggle to survive often overshadows the hope for a healthier tomorrow, in 2007, a beacon of compassion came shining bright on the lives of the people of Abia and neighbouring states. For 17 years, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has been that ray of light, illuminating the path to wellness for thousands. Her annual free medical outreach, has become a lifeline for those who otherwise would be lost in the shadows of neglect and despair.
This week, as the doors to this year’s outreach, its 17th and one of the most impactful in recent years, opened, a sea of hopeful faces poured in, each with a story of struggle against various health challenge. The elderly woman who had endured years of untreated pain; the young child whose future hung in the balance due to a treatable condition; the father who had lost hope of providing for his family due to illness, all found solace in Onyejeocha’s medical sanctuary.
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For me, I had eagerly anticipated this year’s event, a chance to escape the urban bustle and reconnect with the serene beauty of rural life. The prospect of immersing myself in the unspoiled natural surroundings and engaging with the local community was exhilarating. So, when the call came from my principal to join her for the trip, the opportunity of reconnecting with nature and the local community was irresistible.
It was the second day of the outreach and our arrival at the venue was met with an unforgettable reception: enthusiastic chants from the locals; male, female and children, their voices filled with gratitude as they praised her for her years of charitable endeavours. Their heartfelt songs and fervent applause moved me profoundly. In their expressions, I saw a flicker of optimism, a release of pent-up emotions, and tears of triumph etched on the faces of those who had teetered on the brink of despair.
With each successful surgery, each healed wound, and each life saved by health professionals, kindled a fire of hope in the hearts of those she has touched during the five days outreach. Her ability to mobilize a team of dedicated medical professionals, who volunteer their time and expertise to provide comprehensive care, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries and many more, is top notch. The outreach’s impact extends beyond medical interventions. The team provided emotional support, guidance, and education, empowering patients to take control of their health.
This initiative serves as a watershed moment for numerous individuals, dispelling the notion that medical attention is only necessary after illness strikes. “Our people need to take health seriously. Preventive care is key; we shouldn’t wait until sickness sets in before we visit the hospital”, she stressed.
For her, the gesture is a sacred commitment to God, driven by a passion to transform lives through support in health, education, and humanitarian services.
“This outreach is a sacred pledge I made to God, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to continue giving back to the community for as long as God directs and gives me the strength to”, she told journalists at the centre.
Over the years, Onyejeocha’s outreach has touched the lives of thousands. The numbers are staggering: countless surgeries performed, numerous lives saved, and countless more transformed. However, it is the individual stories that truly capture the essence of this year’s mission.
Here is the story of Chukwunuoye Opara, 59, who had endured vision loss for two decades, rendering one eye useless due to cataracts. Desperate for relief, he ventured out, but upon arriving at the crowded center, his hopes dwindled. Yet, he clung to optimism. Fortunately, his persistence paid off when he was finally attended to. The outreach restored his vision, allowing him to reunite with loved ones and regain independence.
Opara’s story is not different from that of over 600 individuals who flocked to the center, each battling unique visual ailments. Thankfully, they found solace in the compassionate care provided through Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha’s humanitarian efforts.
The poignant journey of Oji Joe, 77, tugs at the heartstrings. After battling prostate issues, he endured a series of hospital visits, numerous medications, and subsequent complications that led to a hernia. Yet, he considers himself fortunate.
“I was fortunate to receive care here,” he said. “The operation was a blur, but now I am robust and healthy. Thank you to my benefactor; may God reward you abundantly.
Anthony John, a 42-year-old resident of Cross River, shared his struggles with Lipomas, benign tumors that had gradually developed on the back of his neck for nearly four years. Despite being typically non-cancerous, these slow-growing growths caused Anthony significant discomfort, impacting his daily life.
Like many others, the medical outreach brought hope and healing to Mrs. Nwankwo Chidubem Mabala from Isuochi, Umunneochi, who underwent successful breast lump surgery, Mrs. Rosemary Iweagha from Umuigwe, who received treatment for fibroids. Mr. Chukwuemeka Dim of Umuaku had his stomach lump surgically removed, alleviating respiratory issues that had long plagued him. Augustine Nzeako underwent a successful complex operation, and Mrs. Chikodi Susana from Lomara received vital care. Mr. Ike Ume’s appendix operation brought much-needed relief. Countless children also benefited from life-changing surgeries, including hernia repairs and gangrene treatments that saved limbs and revived lives to normal.
These individuals, and many others, benefited from the selfless efforts of the medical team, reclaiming their health and rediscovering hope. Their stories is like that of hundreds of others who benefited from the outreach.
Onyejeocha’s effort has inspired collaborations with healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care beyond the outreach. Her vision is clear: “to create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem, where everyone has access to quality care”.
What greater gift can one give to their people than quality healthcare, especially during economic hardship when medical bills are unaffordable for most households? Health is indeed wealth, and it takes a visionary leader to recognise its importance. Onyejeocha has earned acclaim within and beyond Abia State for her dedication to healthcare.
Seeing the impacts up close was humbling and inspiring. Witnessing the dire health needs of beneficiaries and the intricate surgeries performed, I grasped the enormity of lives transformed and saved from potentially fatal conditions. Offering complimentary top-tier healthcare by a single individual, is a remarkable undertaking that requires substantial resources. How she has able to sustain this noble gesture for 17 consecutive years is truly remarkable.
This year alone, over 1,500 people benefited from her free medical outreach, complementing her broader humanitarian efforts in education and beyond.
A witness at the center exclaimed in Igbo, “Among all the benefits she has attracted to our community, this is the most valuable to me. Sadly, many are not aware of it. What I witnessed today is unbelievable: surgeries worth over N500,000 each, sponsored by this compassionate woman, extending to many beneficiaries for five days. She is truly a blessing from God.”
These stories, and countless more, are a clear demonstration of the impacts of her humanitarian gesture. Rural Nigeria faces significant healthcare challenges: inadequate infrastructure, scarce medical resources, and a severe shortage of healthcare professionals. But Onyejeocha’s outreach has continued to bridge this gap, providing access to quality care for those in need.
I am compelled to ask: What can we do to support initiatives like this? How can we contribute to bridging the healthcare gap in our communities? Onyejeocha’s story challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, to consider the impact we can have when we choose to care. Her selflessness must inspires people to look beyond their own needs, to recognise the inherent value of every human life.
My return to Isuochi this time, was a rewarding experience, imparting valuable life lessons, deepening my connection to humanity, and the vital importance of saving lives.
In the future, should I choose to undertake this venture, I will seek to benefit from her wealth of knowledge, learning how to effectively navigate its challenges.
Barr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha’s legacy will continue to inspire generations, a reminder that one person can make a difference. As we reflect on her remarkable journey, we are reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
EMAMEH GABRIEL is the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. He writes from Isuochi, Abia State. 07035126466