By Emeka Odogwu
The Diocese of Oji River (Anglican Communion) has assured it will rise to the challenge by instituting a school of nursing within the diocese and a befitting medical hospital that will be equipped with modern facilities.
The Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Ikechukwu Egwuonu, disclosed this at a church service to mark the end of a 7-day ‘Healing and Miracle Crusade’ organised by the diocese.
Taking the bull by the horns, Rt. Rev. Dr Egwuonu announced that the diocese would be rendering a two-week free medical services to the members of the public at the renovated Bishop Orris Walker Hospital and Maternity owned by the diocese.
He urged members of the diocese and the general public to take advantage of the free medi-care services to check their health status and be treated freely.
Speaking further, he disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the School of Nursing being established by the diocese to take off in the month of September this year, even as proposals for the building of a magnificent hospital complex owned by the diocese had reached advanced stages.
The guest preacher of the crusade, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, while speaking earlier at the crusade ground, lamented the current state of under development of Oji River Urban and prophesied that the town would be remembered henceforth, stating that the town would witness astronomical socio-infrastructural development within the next five to ten years.
According to him, Oji River as a town, was discovered by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) who first set foot on Onitsha about 167 years ago. Thereafter, about 120 years ago, the CMS advanced to Oji River with the gospel of Christianity, building schools and hospitals, including the Leprosy Settlement at Oji River Town.
Rt. Dr Uma Ukpai fulfilled his pledge of two million Naira in support of the evangelism and free medical services at Bishop Orris Hospital and Maternity Complex initiated by the Bishop of Oji River Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Egwuonu, during the church service, before leaving for his base in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Fides reports that there is a dearth of viable hospitals with modern medical facilities within Oji River Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
