Njaba, Isu residents appeal to Pastor George Izunwa to revive free medical outreach.

Residents of Njaba and Isu Local Government Areas of Imo State have appealed to renowned cleric and philanthropist, George Izunwa, to revive the annual George Izunwa Medical Outreach, a free healthcare program that previously provided medical services to thousands of people in the area. The appeal was made by several concerned residents, many of whom are currently battling various health challenges and struggling to access quality medical care due to the rising cost of treatment.

Speaking with the Umuaka Times Local Affairs Correspondents last week, an indigene of Umuaka who requested anonymity because of his medical condition, passionately called on Pastor Izunwa to restore the outreach program as many Akalites and others in the two loca government areas are seriously undergoing heavy health crises. According to him, many residents of Njaba and Isu communities are suffering from serious ailments but lack the financial resources to pay hospital bills.

“We are appealing to Pastor George Izunwa to kindly bring back the medical outreach. Many people are sick and cannot afford treatment. The program was a lifeline to many families and brought relief to countless individuals across our communities,” he said.

The George Izunwa Medical Outreach, organized by the George Izunwa Foundation (TGIF), was held annually at Hilltop Primary School, Uba Umuaka, for three consecutive years before security concerns in the area reportedly forced its suspension. Investigations conducted by Umuaka Times revealed that the program attracted beneficiaries from various communities across Njaba and Isu Local Government Areas, offering free medical consultations, treatment, medications, and health screenings.

Many beneficiaries have continued to commend the initiative as one of the most impactful humanitarian programs ever introduced in the area by non-state actors and institutions.

For those who may not know the amiable man of God, Pastor George Izunwa, is a native of Uba Umuaka in Njaba LGA. He is widely known for his humanitarian activities alongside his religious leadership. He is the founder and Lead Pastor of Gateway International Church, headquartered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Established on January 7, 1996, the ministry has grown into a global network with more than 50 branches and satellite campuses across Nigeria and several countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Izunwa is recognized as an author, mentor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Through the Impact Ministers Mentoring Network, he has mentored thousands of pastors and church leaders across different denominations in and outside Nigeria.

He is also known for organizing major Christian conferences, leadership summits, revival meetings and humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable populations. His wife, Manuela George-Izunwa, is a lawyer, author, educator, and former Rivers State Commissioner for Women Affairs. Together, they oversee several educational and humanitarian initiatives of the church and the foundation.

As calls for the return of the medical outreach continue to grow, many residents believe that reviving the program would once again provide critical healthcare support to vulnerable families facing economic hardship and limited access to medical services.

For many in Njaba and Isu, the George Izunwa Medical Outreach remains a symbol of hope, compassion, and community service whose impact is still remembered years after its suspension.