By Jude Atupulazi
Gone are the days when a legislator in Nigeria was only expected to talk his way into the hearts of his constituents. Nowadays, a legislator is expected to walk his talk and this means going beyond his activities on the floor of the hallowed chambers to embarking on activities that bring him into direct contact with his people.
Hon Pharmacist Obinna Emeneka representing Anambra East State Constituency in the House of Assembly, is no stranger to this new twist. Through his Medical Outreach Programme he has been touching the lives of his people who, in turn, are accessing it for free.
Perhaps, Hon Emeneka’s background as a pharmacist actively involved in his profession, and which stands him out from his other colleagues, has influenced his decision on reaching out to the people through medicine.
With the assistance of his wife, also a pharmacist, they have formed an unbeatable team which their people in the grassroots are always happy to receive.
Recently Hon Emeneka organized another Free Medical Outreach Programme for 2019, the third in the series, which was inaugurated in Umueri by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Doctor Vincent Okpala, alongside other dignitaries that also included the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Emeka.
Having visited Umuoba Anam with a team of medical professionals, the Enugwu Aguleri outreach indeed became an all-encompassing programme as it had experts from all the facets of medical composition.
The lawmaker, who was also accompanied by his wife, Pharmacist Esther Ekene Emeneka, spoke of his conviction on being consistent in empowering his constituents with good health.
Mr Emeneka noted that the exercise would be continued in other communities making up Anambra East and beyond for free.
The Eze Aka Ji ovo Igbo and current occupant of the Eri Throne, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, while praying for the success of the outreach, extolled the leadership qualities of Mr Emeneka, especially for remembering that health was wealth.
One of the cabinet members of the Eri Obu Gad, Chief John Emeka, commended the lawmaker for representing and standing for the needs of the people, as the rural community, he noted, was in dire need of medical attention.
Another resident of Enugwu Aguleri, Prince Carter Nnaemeka, hailed Obinna Emeneka as the best lawmaker the entire area had ever produced.
‘Mr Emeneka is the best we ever had, he knows what to do at all times; he knows what his people need and also understands the rudiments of legislation,’ he said.
The President General of Enugwu Aguleri Community and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chief Charles Chiezie, expressed joy over what he called the good omen of the lawmaker, noting that the Free Medical Outreach would go a long way in reducing the level of poverty in the area.
A beneficiary from Eziagulu Aguleri, Mr Isaac Enemuo, confessed that the medical empowerment had reduced his financial challenges of treating his ailment for the past five years.
‘Obinna is the second Willie Obiano we know here, I have been treating cough since five years with the little money I have, but now he has provided me with enough drugs that will heal me, I am so excited,’ he gushed.
Another patient who also got drugs worth thousands of naira, Mrs Virginia Nduanya, thanked God for using their lawmaker to bring healthcare closer to them.
‘Sickness is too much in our area due to mosquitos. I thank Obinna for remembering us after the election campaigns,’ she said.
Meanwhile, politicians and public office holders in Anambra State have been advised to emulate the member representing Anambra East Constituency, Mr Obinna Emeneka, in his humanitarian gestures, especially regarding the provision of healthcare services.
The people of Igbariam Community made the call during the Pharmacist Obinna Emeneka Free Medical Outreach which took place at the Primary Health Centre, Ugwuorji Village, Igbariam.
The Traditional Ruler of Igbariam Kingdom, Igwe Kelly, in an interview at his palace, said the lawmaker had shown commitment and resilience to the course of helping humanity since he assumed office as the member representing Anambra East Constituency at the State House of Assembly.
Several patients from other constituencies, including, Awka, Enugwu Agidi, Dunukofia, among, others besieged the venue to access free medical care offered by the lawmaker as he continues to give succor to the needy.
