As part of its annual community development initiatives in Ihiala town, the Ihiala National USA (INUSA) has made another seasonal donation of N7.76million,this Christmas season, toward security and healthcare. Altogether, N4.85 million is allocated to providing free health care. And about N2.91 million toward security and surveillance equipment for the Ihiala Vigilante security operatives.
The medical mission programs include medical screening for all kinds of health issues, distribution of prescription drugs for patients diagnosed with malaria, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes medicines. Others include distribution of multi-vitamins, pain relievers, anti-itching, fungi-reducing and antibiotic medicines. More than 30 medical personnel including doctors, pharmacists, nurses and volunteers will be participating in the health care mission expected at two centers in the town.
It would also be recalled that in 2014, Ihiala National USA, comprising some Ebeleri (Ihiala) sons and daughters – professionals in various fields residing in the United States donated N7.25 million toward education, health care and security. About 27 Elementary and High Schools in the Ihiala town under the program received monetary donations for their priority projects. Each of the 27 schools received N200, 000 toward those projects that are selected and were of high priority to administrators of these schools. About N2.25 million INUSA’s donation went to medical mission the same year staged at two centers in Ihiala town.
In 2012, as its contribution to Ihiala community development, Ihiala National USA (INUSA) provided a brand-new X-ray machine to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala, at an estimated cost of N4.24million ($27, 000), a security patrol van valued at N2.04 million ($13, 000) was also handed over to Ihiala Vigilante; there were also free medical screening and provision of medicines valued at N3.14 million ($20, 000). These donations were in addition to N1.0 million ($6, 400) donated to the vigilante group in 2010, 7 motorcycles valued at N942, 000 ($6,000) and medical equipment, free medical screening and medication valued at N3.30million ($21,000). In its first year of inauguration in 2008, the organization embarked on its first medical mission estimated at N2.36 million or $15, 000.
President of Ihiala National USA(INUSA), Dr. (Ichie) Larry Udorji, disclosed that the health and security missions and the accompanying donations during 2016 Christmas season is in pursuit of INUSA’s key meridian programs; Security, Health Care, and Education. He added that the donation is also in fulfillment of the organization’s drive to raising funds in the United States to meet these goals. He remarked, “In 2017, the organization is scheduled to host its bi-annual conference at Ihiala.
And called on all illustrious sons and daughters of the town, in-laws, friends and well-wishers to come join hands in INUSA’s contribution to elevate standard of life for our people as part of our “Joining Hands for Community Development” which this donation was raised.
“We are making this donation as part of our fulfilment (INUSA promise) to the community and its stakeholders.”
Dr. Udorji remarked that accomplishing all these goals would not be possible without donations from INUSA members, friends and supporters. He however expressed appreciation with the interest shown by Ihiala indigenous sons and daughters in supporting INUSA. He concluded that more financial commitment of members, illustrious sons and daughters of Ihiala town, in-laws, friends and well-wishers is however needed to continue INUSA programs.