The former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the last election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has visited the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) and commended their work on the ongoing pediatric/adult open-heart surgery and medical mission at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital (DIOMH) in Oraifite, Ewusigo local government, Anambra State.
Obi’s visit was occasioned by SEOF’s ongoing biannual medical mission ─ scheduled for September 19th to October 12th, in partnership with the Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation ─ which has surpassed the foundation’s 100th open-heart surgery benchmark.
Obi commended SEOF and VOOM for their achievements over the past two years, which included, 117 open-heart surgeries, 10 interventional catheterisations (the first procedure in south-east Nigeria), and two vascular surgeries.
He added that these are “Life-saving milestones” and called for greater healthcare contributions from the foundation and its partners, and from Nigerians in general.
He stressed the importance of expanding these medical efforts to ensure that more lives are saved and healthcare services extended to more vulnerable individuals across the country.
In light of this, Obi called for a “growing need for partnerships between the government, private sector, and philanthropic organisations to ensure the sustainability and expansion of healthcare initiatives that address both pediatric and adult cardiovascular needs.”
The Executive Director of SEOF, Mrs Chidimma Okoye, appreciated Obi for the visit and for the recognition of the impact the foundation is making, describing him as a leader whose advocacy for sustainable change is commendable.
“The support we have received thus far has been instrumental in providing critical care to those in need. But, as His Excellency pointed out, this is just the beginning.
“We urge everyone to join us in our mission to save lives. Together, we can create a healthier future for thousands of more children and adults across Nigeria,” she said.
She stated that the procedures carried out at DIOMH have offered critical medical interventions to children and adults who would otherwise have no access to life-saving care.
Okoye reiterated the need for continued support from local and international partners for those in need of medical care.
The founder of the VOOM Foundation and a key partner in SEOF’s medical mission, Dr Vincent Obioma Ohaju, stated that their partnership with SEOF has saved many lives and they are proud of the strides they have made together.
“However, we know much more work must be done. I urge individuals, organisations, and governments to commit to supporting initiatives like this so we can continue to transform lives through better access to life-saving medical care,” Ohaju said.