Ohaukwu LG Chairman applauds Nwifuru over free health screening, surgery

Health

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Paul Ituma Eze, has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for providing free medical screening and medically indicated surgeries to residents of the council area.

Eze said the intervention would improve access to healthcare, particularly for residents of rural communities, and aligns with the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

In a statement titled “Healthy Families Are the Foundation of a Prosperous Community,” the council chairman described the programme as a significant step towards giving men’s health, particularly in rural communities, greater attention.

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“I sincerely thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for making both screening and medically indicated surgery in this exercise free of charge,” Eze said.

He also commended the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekuma Moses, and Dr Ifeanyi Edeaja, coordinator of #FON_Medic and a medical officer at General Hospital, Ezzamgbo, for their roles in the programme.

Eze highlighted the availability of telescopic prostate surgery at General Hospital, Ezzamgbo, describing it as a procedure used to treat urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate without an external incision.

He urged residents experiencing difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or persistent discomfort to seek medical attention promptly, warning that an inability to urinate requires urgent medical care.

The council chairman also advised residents against self-medication and encouraged them to consult qualified healthcare professionals about screening, including before symptoms develop.

“A healthier Ohaukwu strengthens our families and our future. Let us embrace health education, seek care early and encourage our fathers and brothers to access available services,” he said.

Eze assumed office on September 1, 2026, after Governor Nwifuru swore him in alongside the chairman and vice-chairman of the13 local government areas in the state.

Since assuming office, he has visited health facilities and schools across Ohaukwu to assess their condition as part of efforts to identify areas requiring intervention.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki and attended by government officials, political leaders and other dignitaries.