Citizens Samuelson Iwuoha
Before the inauguration of the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on the 10th of July 2024 by the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Jennifer Etuh Foundation had successfully established the Medical Facility in five geopolitical zones in the country, namely :
Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre (JEMC) —- Odu Oboyaga, Kogi State.
* Jennifer Etuh Specialist Hospital (JESH) —- Kagoro, Kaduna State.
Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre (JEMC) —- Ifewara, Osun State.
* Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre (JEMC) —– Tula, Gombe State.
* Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre (JEMC) —– Ochon, Obubra, Cross River State.
The Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Umunoha, is the sixth (6th) and final establishment of such Health facility, as there are only six Geopolitical zones in the country.
Established in January 2021, the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF) has emerged as a Beacon Of Hope, breaking ethnic, sociocultural and traditional barriers by providing accessible healthcare, education and empowering women and girls in various communities in Nigeria.
Within the almost four years of its establishment, the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF) has made remarkable impact in its mission, with a vision of love, compassion and unwavering commitment to uplift the lives of the less privileged in the society, which is the legacy of Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, a very God-fearing, loving, loveable, compassionate, disciplined and noiseless philanthropist, who served God and humanity during her life time.
Having established five Medical Centres in the North-west, North-east, North-central, South-west and South-south of the country, as stated earlier, and sustained them for months and years, since 2021, through effective follow-up and monitoring system, and with carefully chosen personnel as staff, the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF) emerged as a Beacon of Hope to the underprivileged women and girls, and the news spread across the length and breathe of Nigeria.
In was therefore Joy Unspeakable for the people of Imo State when it was learned that the sixth and final Medical Centre of the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF), for the South-east zone, which has been built in the State, in a rural community of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Umunoha, would be inaugurated on Wednesday, 10th of July 2024.
Ndimo trooped out in their numbers ; the rich class, the middle class and the poor class. They drove down to Umunoha to witness the inauguration of the Multi-Billion Naira Medical facility named after the woman who loved God and humanity, the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre.
Despite its ruralness and rurality, Umunoha Community became the cynosure of all eyes on that Wednesday, 10th of July, 2024. Our dear Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was on official engagement in Abuja, cut short his trip and raced down home, to perform the inauguration himself.
At the commendation service and formal inauguration of the Medical facility to commemorate the life and legacy of the woman of the moment, Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, whose 50th Posthumous Birthday coincided with the occasion, the People’s Governor commended the Jennifer Etuh Foundation for the choice of Umunoha for the slot of the hospital in keeping with the wishes and desires of Mrs Jennifer Etuh, describing it as the “Height Of Generosity”.
Governor Uzodimma particularly commended the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr Thomas Etuh, for ensuring the last wishes and desires of his beloved wife, Jennifer, were carried out to the letter. He described the Chairman as one he has always known, both as a successful Man and as the Most Humble Rich Man in Nigeria, who has used his God given wealth in service of God and humanity.
In his words, Governor Uzodimma said, “I am very happy that at the end of the day, we still have Nigerians, like Thomas Etuh, who contribute to National Development, from private sector, and using private resources to provide social services, and to contribute to charity and empower the poor, without waiting for the Government. This is generosity, service to God and mankind”.
While condoling the Etuh family for the irreparable loss on the unfortunate death of Mrs Jennifer and praying God to continue to grant them the fortitude to bear it, Governor Uzodimma called on other wealthy persons in the society to emulate the humility of the Etuh family in contributing to charity and empowering the downtrodden.
The Governor went further to commend the Charles Onwuzuruike family, particularly his wife, Mrs Tochi Onwuzuruike, who was a bossom friend and sister to Mrs Jennifer, and whose behaviour, character and conduct was instrumental to the siting and building of the Medical Facility in Umunoha. To this, Governor Uzodimma said, “when you show me your friend, I tell who you are. We now know Tochi’s friends, and we can tell who Tochi is”. The highly elated Governor therefore commended Mrs Tochi Onwuzuruike for being a worthy Ambassador of Imo State and for attracting the Multi Billion Naira Health facility, by being a remarkable good person. “What Government has not done for Umunoha, Jennifer Etuh has done. I am impressed. I am grateful”.
To this end therefore, Governor Uzodimma assured that the vision of Mrs Jennifer Etuh in giving directive to the establishment of the world class Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre in Umunoha will not die, as the major road leading to the health facility would be rehabilitated. In his words, *”………….. Onye Zutara Slippers, Ekwela Nkwa Shoe”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Jennifer Etuh Foundation and husband of Mrs Jennifer, Mr Thomas Etuh said that the event was to commemorate the life and legacy of his very and dearly beloved wife, Jennifer, and to launch the 6th and final Medical Centre established in her honour in Umunoha.
According to Mr Etuh, “Four years have passed since Jennifer went to be with the Lord, and her vision continues to inspire us. Her life was a testament to compassion and dedication, and her burdens and prayers have brought us together today”.
“During her final days, Jennifer provided clear instructions on how her investments should be used to establish medical facilities and vocational centres across our nation’s geopolitical zones. Through the tireless efforts of the children : Emmanuel, Yusuf, David and Daniel, the Board Of Directors of the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF), family, friends and well-wishers, we have been committed to realizing her heartfelt mission”.
“Reflecting on her wishes, we have successfully completed and commissioned five out of the six envisioned projects. Each facility stands as a Beacon Of Hope and A Testament To God’s Unwavering Guidance, Provision And Support”.
“Today, we are honoured to inaugurate the sixth and final Medical Centre here in Umunoha, Imo State. This vibrant community is the hometown of Jennifer’s Bossom friend and sister, Mrs Tochi Onwuzuruike, and Jennifer specifically chose Umunoha as the location for this project in honour of Tochi and her husband, Mr Charles Onwuzuruike. Our fervent prayer is that this Health Centre will continue to answer Jennifer’s plea, bringing relief and hope to many, sparing them the challenges she faced . We are here to witness the culmination of her dreams and prayers, transformed into a tangible reality”.
The Minister Of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, Dr Kingsley Achigbu, expressed joy over the establishment of Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Umunoha. He said *”I was close to tears when I saw how a humble wish has turned into a gigantic project”.* He thereafter stated that the inauguration was “in line with the New Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and in tandem with the 3-R Mantra of His Excellency, Senator Hope Utodimma in Imo State”.
Dr Achigbu also commended the Foundation for her good work towards provision of access to health facility to rural populace in the six Geopolitical zones of Nigeria, praying God to continue to sustain the Foundation.
The host community, through its Town Union, Umunoha People’s Assembly, UPA, in appreciation, presented gifts to the Chairman of Jennifer Etuh Foundation, Mr Thomas Etuh and his sons, Emmanuel, Yusuf, David and Daniel. Presenting the gifts on behalf of the Town Union and Umunoha Ancient Kingdom, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, commended the Foundation for finding Umunoha community worthy to site a health facility. Chief Ekomaru, who is the husband of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, also appreciated Governor Uzodimma for coming in person to inaugurate the hospital.
The Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre, Umunoha, has the following Functional and Well Equipped Departments :
1. Mammography Unit.
2. X-Ray Unit.
3. Consulting Rooms.
4. Nurses Station.
5. Maintenance Office.
6. Delivery/Labour Room.
7. Wards For Children.
8. Wards For Women.
9. Wards For Men.
10. Pharmacy.
11. Ante-Natal Unit.
12. Pre-Laboratory Unit.
13. Janitor Closet.
14. Intensive Care Unit.
15. Accident/Observation Unit.
16. Reurds.
17. Waiting Hall.
18. Security Post.
19. And a Helipad, where Helicopters would be landing for serious emergency referral cases.
20. A Chapel.
The event attracted the following dignitaries, amongst thousands of others :
1. Sir Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief Of Staff, Government House.
2. Mr Aboki Danjuma, Commissioner of Police, Imo State.
3. Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency.
4. Hon Dr Prosper Ohayagha, Commissioner for Health, Imo State.
5. Rt Hon Jerry Alagbaoso.
6. Chief Tony Chukwu.
7. DIG Hilary Opara (Rtd).
8. Major General S. Chikwe (Rtd).
9. Chief Chris Nwabia.
10. Chief Chikere Mbadiwe.
11. Hon Prince Ugochukwu Ochiwar.
12. Chief Willie Amadi.
13. Chief Chris-Ogonus Ugochukwu Okoro.
14. Dr Batos Nwadike.
15. Chief Jackson Obijiaku.
16. HRH Eze Njoku Egbeada
17. HRH Eze Ibeji Akagha.
18. HRH Eze Eric Uchegbu.
19. HRH Eze Nwokeocha.
20. HRH Eze Nwaturuocha.
21. HRH Eze Godfrey Chinedu Opurum.
Indeed, with the establishment and commissioning of the Multibillion Naira Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre (JEMC), Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area Of Imo State, socioeconomic development and industrialization have now jumped into the boxing ring, ready and set to take off and transform the once rural community into a major Economic Hub of the State, with its accompanied accoutrements.
May The Worthy And Beautiful Soul Of Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, A Kaduna Lady, Married To A Humble Man From Kogi, Continue To Rest In Peace, Amen.
I Rest My Pen.
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
