‎Akagburuonye Receives $7.3m Canadian Medical Equipment Donation, Distributes to 32 Imo Hospitals ‎ ‎Set for November 7 unveiling as beneficiary facilities prepare to boost healthcare delivery across Imo’s 27 LGAs

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‎Akagburuonye Receives $7.3m Canadian Medical Equipment Donation, Distributes to 32 Imo Hospitals

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‎Set for November 7 unveiling as beneficiary facilities prepare to boost healthcare delivery across Imo’s 27 LGAs

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‎In a major boost to healthcare delivery in Imo State, the Founder, Financier and National Coordinator of Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation (Olile Anya Di, Maka Odi Nma Ndi Imo), Barr. Success Obioma Akagburuonye, has received a consignment of modern medical equipment valued at $7.3 million, donated to his foundation by the Canadian government.

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‎The medical equipment, which arrived in a 40-foot container at the foundation’s national secretariat in Ogbor Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, is earmarked for distribution to 32 privately owned hospitals across the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

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‎The consignment, which is expected to strengthen diagnostic capacity, improve treatment outcomes and expand access to quality medical services, was formally opened on Thursday for inspection by relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.

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‎Those present included officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Customs Service, representatives of the Imo State Government, beneficiary hospitals, community leaders, political stakeholders and members of the Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation among others.

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‎Declaring the commencement of the offloading exercise, Akagburuonye explained that the Canadian government’s donation was aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Imo State and equipping beneficiary hospitals to provide better medical services and respond more effectively to public health challenges.

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‎He disclosed that the official unveiling and distribution of the equipment would take place on November 7, 2026, when the 32 beneficiary hospitals would receive their respective allocations.

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‎According to him, the date was chosen to coincide with the burial of his mother, Ezinne Monica Nwafor Akagburuonye-Amuchie, following an arrangement with representatives of the Canadian government, including the Canadian ambassador and the Minister of Health, who indicated that they would be unable to attend separate ceremonies.

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‎Akagburuonye said the beneficiary hospitals had been invited to identify the equipment they requested during the offloading exercise to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution process.

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‎”The date for the launching has been selected to be the 7th of November, 2026, the day I’ll be burying my mother, Ezinne Monica Nwafor Akagburuonye-Amuchie, because the representatives of the Canadian government, the ambassador and the Minister of Health said they would not come twice,” he explained.

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‎He added that the beneficiaries had been authorised to identify their requested items during the offloading exercise, assuring them that the equipments would be properly arranged and allocated before the distribution ceremony.

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‎”That day, after the interment of the deceased, when we get here, they will call your name, and you will see where we have already arranged your own medical equipment. You will then take delivery. The donors want to supervise it and make sure that there is no diversion,” he said.

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‎The philanthropist subsequently declared the container open for inspection and prayed for a successful exercise without accidents or untoward incidents, accompanied by songs of praise.

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‎Speaking at the event, Mr. Nelson Onuoha, a management staff of NAFDAC,  Abia-Imo Customs operations, said his presence was to facilitate the necessary inspection and certification before the container was opened.

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‎He explained that he was acting on the directive of his superior to ensure that the prescribed procedures were followed and that the contents of the container were properly verified.

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‎Onuoha stressed the importance of due process in the handling of the consignment, noting that the relevant authorities needed to certify the items before their eventual distribution to the beneficiary hospitals.

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‎Medical practitioners representing the  3 senatorial zones  of Imo State welcomed the donation, describing it as a significant intervention that would improve healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities where access to modern medical equipment remains a challenge.

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‎Among the doctors present were Dr. Shaazuar Korie, Dr. Kellechi Omende and Dr. Ndubuisi Enweremadu, that represented Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu senatorial zones.

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‎They expressed appreciation to Akagburuonye for his philanthropic commitment to the medical sector, noting that the equipment would enhance the capacity of the beneficiary hospitals to deliver more effective services to patients.

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‎Dr. Korie, speaking on behalf of medical practitioners, pledged their continued support for the philanthropist’s humanitarian and developmental initiatives.

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‎”We, the medical practitioners, also promise that, as far as you, Akagburuonye, have always been in philanthropic collaborative partnership with us, we will always identify with you in all sociopolitical and economic endeavours,” he said.

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‎While,Dr. Omende emphasised the importance of recognising and reciprocating genuine philanthropic gestures, urging medical practitioners in Imo State and Nigeria at large to appreciate individuals who invest in improving healthcare services.

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‎Similarly, Dr. Enweremadu assured Akagburuonye that the beneficiary hospitals would put the modern medical equipments to proper use, and for the benefit of their patients and the wider community.

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‎Political stakeholders at the event like Sir Justice Ogu, alongside some coordinators associated with Akagburuonye’s political ambition, including Dr. Chris Ekwueme, Mrs. Ijeoma Azuike and Dr. Humble Chimaobi, praised the philanthropist for complementing the efforts of the state government through private-sector and humanitarian interventions.

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‎They also commended Akagburuonye’s humanitarian initiative, describing it as a practical contribution to the development of the state’s healthcare sector.

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‎Ogu who’s  All Progressive Congress APC, Owerri senatorial zone Chairman further expressed appreciation to the Canadian government for entrusting the foundation with medical equipment of such significant value, describing the donation as an opportunity to expand access to improved healthcare in Imo State.

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‎He also made reference to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported position that his successor would emerge from Owerri Zone, declaring that Akagburuonye and other prospective political leaders from the zone were exceptionally qualified to demonstrate their capacity for leadership and development.

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‎”As all of you may know, His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has promised that his successor will come from Owerri Zone. We are presenting our best and brightest for the world to see. We thank the Canadian government for trusting our principal,” Ogu said.

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‎In his remarks, Dr. Chimaobi disclosed that Akagburuonye, through his philanthropic initiatives, had facilitated comprehensive free medical services for more than 10,000 Imolites over the past three years.

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‎He said the interventions covered several areas of healthcare, including optometry, minor surgical procedures and specialised surgeries, among other services.

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‎Beyond healthcare, Akagburuonye recalled that Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation had undertaken several empowerment and community development initiatives since 2021.

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‎According to him, the foundation’s interventions included  comprehensive free sponsorship of Imo youths trainings for the installation of solar panels, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and inverters, as well as various skills acquisition programmes designed to equip young people with practical and employable skills.

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‎He disclosed that more than 12,000 youths from the 27 local government areas of Imo State had graduated from the foundation’s skills acquisition programmes, including 322 beneficiaries who recently completed training in different vocational fields.

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‎Akagburuonye explained that the initiatives were intended to support the developmental agenda of Governor Uzodimma by complementing government efforts in youth empowerment, healthcare delivery and community development.

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‎He urged Imolites to join hands with the governor in advancing the state’s development, while expressing hope that God would guide the governor in choosing a worthy successor.

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‎”I wish to support the good work our God-given governor is doing in Imo State. He has laid a good foundation, and we have to build on it,” he said.

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‎He further called on residents to support the governor’s developmental vision and prayed for divine guidance in the state’s political future.

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‎Among the hospitals listed as beneficiaries of the medical equipment are Winnie’s Hospital Limited, Isiala Mbano; Mbano Joint Hospital; Grace Medical Centre, Owerri Municipal; Hometown Missionary Hospital; Christ the King Hospital, Ideato South; Christ Foundation and Maternity, Awo-Idemili; Jonai Maternity and Nursing Home, Isu; McDonald Hospital, Awomama; and Immaculate Heart Hospital, Umuokirika, Ahiazu Mbaise.

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‎Others include Aladinma Umuzuruike Community Hospital; Hometown Missionary Hospital, Ideato North; St. Joseph Medical Services, Aboh Mbaise; and New Creation Hospital and Maternity, Obilubi, Mbaitoli, among other facilities.

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‎The medical items in the consignment includes; scanning machines, ventilators, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments and an assortment of essential medical supplies.

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‎Expectedly, the successful deployment of the equipment is expected to strengthen the capacity of the beneficiary hospitals in  providing improved diagnostic and treatment services, potentially reducing the burden on patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances or incur additional expenses to access specialised medical care.

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