Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in Enugu State in partnership with the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) along with its United States partner, Starkey Hearing Foundation, has commenced a two-day free medical treatment programme for people with hearing impairment in the state.
Declaring open the event, which brought the gift of hearing to the first treated patient, Master Chidera Obeta, a student of Special Education Centre, Ogbete, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, said that the programme was in line with his administration promise to deploy government resources and services to address the needs of the people of the state.
The governor added that the exercise was also designed “to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen, to make a living and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment, disclosing that it will “offer free examination and treatment of persons suffering from hearing problems as well as the donation of hearing aids to those who may need them”.
While enjoining all affected residents of the state to take full advantage of the programme and receive free and appropriate attention to their hearing challenges, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, its United States partner, the medical doctors and other health experts for their efforts, contributions and active participation in the programme.
“We assure the good people of Enugu State that we will, as a government, continue to welcome and support similar initiatives designed to provide free or cheaper access to medical treatment as well as other aspects of development”, the governor added.
In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Makinde, lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to the welfare of the people of the state and the level of preparation for the programme, saying that Enugu is “the state for others to follow”.
“We commend Enugu State Government. We are highly impressed. We are proud of you (Ugwuanyi). Enugu is the state for others to follow. I will tell other state governments to emulate Enugu State for the good of all”, he said.
Also speaking, the representative of Starkey Hearing Foundation, Luqman Lawal disclosed that the organization’s aim was to bridge the gap and work with the Enugu State Government to provide immediate ear hearing services and aids to the potential beneficiaries.
He also expressed delight at the Enugu State government’s commitment, urging it to continuously support the foundation in sustaining the programme for the interest of the beneficiaries in particular and the state in general.
