By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
More than 300 constituents received free medical care on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Igbudu Ward 2 in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as part of the ongoing health intervention program sponsored by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, representing Ikwo South Constituency.
The outreach, held at Ogagbo MDG in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi state, marks the seventh phase of the Speaker’s free healthcare campaign since it was flagged off early this year.
The outreach organized in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health and the BERWO Foundation, has a special focus on maternal and child health.
Highlights of the day included a Baby Shower/Open Maternity Day which featured health education, disease prevention sessions, medical treatment, and sensitization on Measles-Rubella and HPV vaccination.
SpringNews gathered that seven wards under the Speaker’s constituency have so far benefited. These include Ettam Ward, Ndieagu Amagu 1 and 2, Igbudu 1, Inyimagu 1 and 2, and now Amagu Igbudu 2.
Representing the Speaker at the event, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Theophilus Igwe, noted that plans are in motion to extend the outreach to the remaining three wards: Ndufu 1, Ndufu 2, and Amanyima—and possibly beyond.
“All the wards in Ikwo South must surely benefit. So far, this ward we are in—Igbudu Ward 2—makes it the seventh ward visited. The only ones remaining are Amanyima Ward, Ndufu Amagu Ward 1 and 2. Once these are covered, then another plan will be made to ensure that other wards that make up Ikwo LGA are included, because Mr. Speaker believes that health is wealth,” he said.
He further advised beneficiaries to reciprocate the Speaker’s kind gesture by remaining law-abiding and peaceful.
“Nothing thrives in a warring environment. They should always support Governor Francis Nwifuru by sustaining the peace that has long existed in the community. Where there is peace, there is progress.”
Also speaking, Aloh Ngozi (popularly known as NG Black), Desk Officer of the Baby Shower Initiative, gave a detailed breakdown of the day’s turnout:
“Today, we recorded about 85 under-one children. We also have under-five children above one year, pregnant women, the aged—both male and female—and the youths. Altogether, we have over 300 clients today.”
She added that while no challenges were recorded, the volume of attendees shows a need to extend the outreach duration in future visits:
“This program is supposed to be two days per facility. As you can see, we can’t finish attending to everyone today. So next time, we’ll plan for two days in each community to reach more people.”
Ngozi also raised a concerning health observation:
“Looking at the patients’ cards, we noticed that their blood pressure is very high. Almost 70% of the adults are affected. We need to come back for community needs assessment and sensitization. Health education is key—without behavioral change, the health issues will persist even after treatment.”
She appreciated the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders for their support:
“The Speaker has been supporting us, but without the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ikenna Ekuma, we won’t be here. I also want to thank Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru for collaborating with the Speaker. Your people love and appreciate you.”
Some of the beneficiaries, including Igwe Chisom, Deacon Ufopu Simon from Ume Igbudu, and Idaiya ThankGod from Ogagbo Igbudu, expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“I’m very grateful and happy for the effort of our brother, Mr. Ije Odunwa Moses—for how he takes care of our mothers, brothers, and elders. We’re thankful to the Ebonyi State Government for providing the support. All the people of Ndieagu Igbudu are happy today. We will support him in all his endeavors—even if he wants to become President,” one of them remarked with joy.
Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa’s initiative continues to win hearts and improve lives across Ikwo South, standing as a testament to people-centered leadership