The entire workforce of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State a couple of days ago at their end-of-year party had to unwind with a lot to eat, drink with bags of rice and vegetable oil as Christmas gifts which went round, not excluding journalists.
Apart from the workers, the event hosted by the Chief Medical Director, Prof Joseph Ugboaja in line with his policy of welfarism was attended by the Obis, other dignitaries, friends and well wishers of the NAUTH family.
Among them were Obi Uruagu, Obi Afam Charles (Ogidi); the President General of Uruagu community, Hon. Innocent Okoli; Director of Administration, Mrs Joy Ugochukwu; Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba (Obidiugwu); Obi Okpunoeze, Obi Okafor (Okwuruora Nnewi); Agu Okonkwo, Obi Akabor- Edoji, Obi Mmaduabulochukwu Agbodike; Rev. Chibuike Okonkwo; Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Engr Chris Obiora; Nnewi Area Commander, among others.
Speaking at the event, Obi Onyekaba said he would not fail to thank Prof Ugboaja for living up to his promise to take the hospital to a new dimension as he has moved it to the permanent site.
He commended the CMD for his love and caring for the members of his staff which he noted had brought tremendous achievements to the hospital. He named the allowances being paid, conversion of junior staff to senior staff members and other benefits as things that had brought about peaceful industrial relation in the hospital and urged him to keep it up. The Obi prayed that God in his infinite mercy would continue to protect and guide him in all his endeavors.
The deputy CMAC of the permanent site, Dr Anyaoku in his remarks expressed his joy for the gathering and thanked the CMD for the event.
While addressing the gathering, Prof Ugboaja made a reference to a Bible version in Exodus chapter 14 verse 13 which reads: “Fear not and stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord which he will work for you today, for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.”
He said that movement to the NAUTH permanent site before now seemed an impossible task but that this Bible quotation had kept him going. He said this has been achieved to the glory of God and for the betterment of Nnewi, Anambra State and Nigeria at large. “The Lord is our strength, “he added.
“Today, we are happy to remember May 19, 2023 when the permanent site was commissioned by the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammedu Buhari. It is our mandate to build a hospital that people will comfortably come and be happy after treatment. People are now happy to identify with NAUTH.
“NAUTH is going to be the largest and the best hospital in the whole of West Africa. There are already 900 beds in the permanent site and many other structures in place, “he said.
He mentioned some on-going projects to include mother and child zone, special baby care, among numerous others.
He thanked the palace of Igwe Nnewi for building ICT centre which he said would be commissioned this 2023 December.
Prof Ugboaja disclosed that Prof Ofiaeli was the man that started the revolution movement to the permanent site and also the CMD that had given the highest number of jobs and promised to follow his footsteps.
Rev Fr Kizito Okonkwo represented by Rev Fr Everest Okonkwo in his sermon thanked God for His love and also thanked the CMD and his team for their wonderful work to humanity.
He quoted Zacharia chapter 4 verse 6 that reads: “Not by power or by might that our joy shall be complete.” He commended the CMD for his good work and kindness towards the NAUTH workers.
It was merriment galore, sharing of Christmas gifts including rice and vegetable oil.
