George Izunwa Foundation ends 3 day medical mission in Degema.
4 min read
It was joy unspeakable in Bakana community of Degema LGA River State in the South-South region of Nigeria as the famous George Izunwa Foundation conducted a three day successful free medical and empowerment mission in the community. Umuaka Times gathered that the event which attracted a lot of high profile indigenes of the community and others from other parts of the state kicked off from June 14 and ended on June 16 2023.
The event centre which hosted the big medical mission was the Bakana Civil Centre. In order to make the program an undiluted success, more than 70 persons of different professions and occupations volunteered their services for the outreach. This number included 9 medical doctors, 4 optometrist, 6 pharmacists and lab scientists and more. There were also nurses, protocol officers, physiotherapists, dentists and a host of others too numerous to mention.
Umuaka Times gathered that the medical team as well as the members of George Izunwa Foundation successfully made it to the venue via a speedboat. Someone who is a member of the foundation described the experience as highly inspiring. On arrival to the community, it was gathered that more than 25 indigenes of the community freely volunteered their houses to host the foundation members for the duration of the program.
On the first day of the medical and empowerment outreach, Pastor George Izunwa, the Lead Pastor of Gateway International Church and the founder of George Izunwa Foundation, took time to address the community and others present at the historic event. The pastor who is well known for his charity works in and outside the state spoke on the need for people, especially the followers of Jesus Christ to be a helping hand to others, especially their fellow Christians. For those who do not understand the difference between the foundation and Gateway International Church, the pastor had this to tell them; ‘’The George Izunwa Foundation is not Gateway International Church; Gateway Church did not put one naira into this Foundation. This is between me and my wife and a few persons that stand with me. God has blessed us so we’re happy to be a blessing”.
According to a highly dependably document Umuaka Times obtained from the foundation, “The 3-day free medical program was a huge success with activities ranging from medical tests, and examinations; treatment and drug administered, and several surgeries. We exceeded our target of attending to over 2500 patients.”
Some of the beneficiaries of the medical mission who were booked for different types of surgeries were taken to Bakana Community Health Centre where the surgeries were successfully performed by highly dependable medical teams. In addition to the surgeries, Umuaka Times was also reliably informed that more than 20 other beneficiaries of the medical mission were scheduled for different types of surgeries in Port Harcourt after over 30 surgeries were performed at the Bakana Community Health Centre.
About 300 free eyeglasses were given to those who have optical issues and some fashion designers and tailors were also properly empowered with sewing machines by the foundation. Those who benefited from the free sewing machines included, Obene Diekramabo Frank, Bateinm Jackreece, Ere Sagbe, Miesimabia Soberekon, Stella Dan Obu and Prayeerba Daerego.
Two hundred women especially widows, received a bag of rice each and groundnut oil. According to the document Umuaka Times obtained, “At the end of the 3-day free medical program, a total of 3520 Persons were attended to; BP checked, consultations and drugs were given. A total of 725 investigations were done. 300 were screened for diabetes, – 275 were tested for malaria, – 50 were screened for syphilis, and, – 100 were screened for HIV. Positive cases were counseled and duly referred. 100 persons had tooth scaling and polishing done. 422 persons had their eyes checked. 310 glasses were given, and 87 persons had physiotherapy.”
The document continued, “A total of 35 surgeries ranging from minor and major surgeries as follows: 21 Cataract surgeries done. 2 lipoma excisions. 1 acute appendectomy, 1 supra umbilical herniorrhaphy, 1 huge hydrocelectomy and 9 Herniorrhaphy.”
While speaking with pressmen during the event, the co-coordinator of the George Izunwa Foundation, Engr. Chike Nwonodi told journalists that “The George Izunwa Foundation is a private NGO fully incorporated and funded by Pastor George Izunwa. The whole essence of the Foundation is to give back to the society. And our core values are Compassion, Humility, and Empowerment, and making sure we’re stewards in what God has bestowed on us which is a blessing to bless others. The foundation started about 8 years ago and the focus of the foundation is free medicals, scholarships and environmental improvement.”
He finally disclosed that over 10,000 beneficiaries have been recorded since its inception. “Our target for this Bakana outreach is 2,500 beneficiaries”.
The Bakana community outreach by the George Izunwa Foundation was a huge success and the people who benefitted from the program have so far expressed their thanks to the foundation and its founders.
