NUJ takes medical care, relief materials to Awba Ofemili, raises healthcare concerns
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, has taken free medical care and relief materials to residents of Awba Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area, with a call for improved healthcare services in the rural community.
The outreach, held at the community Civic Centre in Okpuakpana Village, was part of activities marking the 2026 NUJ Annual Press Week and Man of the Year Celebration.
Residents, particularly children and the elderly, received free medical screening and consultations, alongside bags of rice, clothes, shoes, salt, school bags and other relief materials.
Before the programme, the NUJ delegation paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler, Igwe Ernest Mmaduagwuna, and his cabinet, informing them of the purpose of the visit.
The monarch described journalists as the “voice of the voiceless” and commended the NUJ and its partners for identifying with the needs of the community.
Igwe Mmaduagwuna, however, called for greater attention to the community’s Primary Health Care Centre, saying it could function as a mini hospital if properly equipped and staffed.
He also expressed concern over health challenges, including diabetes, and urged journalists to continue drawing government attention to the community.
Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Ph.D., appreciated the state government for its road and school interventions in Awka North but called for greater attention to healthcare.
Odogwu said the health centre lacked adequate personnel and basic amenities, while also appealing for the extension of the road network towards Ayamelum to improve accessibility and economic opportunities.
Chairman of NANNM, Anambra State Chapter, Mrs Edith Onwuka, recalled that the association conducted a medical outreach in Awba Ofemili in 2024 with UNICEF support.
She said the exercise revealed inadequate healthcare personnel, noting that only one medical staff was available at the health centre and one at the Anglican Maternity at the time.
Onwuka said NANNM had shared its findings with supporters and would consider another intervention when funding and necessary support become available.
Some beneficiaries, including Ada Udeze, Grace Anene and Neme Nwankwo, expressed appreciation for the medical care and relief materials.
They said communities like theirs are often forgotten, describing the visit as a reminder that they are remembered, loved and cared for. They prayed for continued blessings upon the NUJ and its partners.
The programme was organised in collaboration with NANNM, the Association of Pentecostal Churches of Nigeria, Awba Ofemili Chapter, and members of the Anglican Youth Fellowship of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka.
The outreach ended with renewed calls for improved rural healthcare, infrastructure and sustained attention to the needs of Awba Ofemili and other rural communities.
