Poised to provide accessible healthcare for cancer patients in rural communities, The Garden of Hope Foundation in collaboration with Owerre Nkwoji Community has commenced the construction of a hospital for free cancer treatment in Owerre Nkwoji Community, Imo State.
The ground-breaking ceremony which took place recently in Umuoke village of the community, witnessed the presence of prominent members of the community and other stakeholders of the foundation.
Speaking during the ceremony, Professor (Engr.) Egondu Rosemary Onyejekwe, founder and president of the foundation, described the initiative as a significant step toward improving access to cancer care in the region. Also a breast cancer survivor, Professor Onyejekwe, explained that the hospital project was conceived out of her personal experiences and her desire to offer life-saving support to others. “This project is a reflection of our commitment to providing hope and accessible healthcare to cancer patients within our community,”
“The facility will incorporate a data management system to streamline patient care and support grant applications for further development. It is part of the foundation’s broader mission to tackle pressing health challenges, having already launched interventions addressing hypertension and diabetes within the community” she said.
The NGO Founder revealed that the hospital project is being funded through contributions from the community, including Ndi na Ozo Owerre-Nkwoji.
Expressing her immense gratitude to her brother, Isaac Ezirim, she noted that the land used for the project was part of their family inheritance, donated by Mr Isaac.
The foundation’s vision, she explained, extends beyond healthcare to include education, agriculture, and industrial development, all aimed at uplifting the community.
According to Prof Onyejekwe, this project marks a significant milestone in the community as it expected to significantly reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for cancer treatment.
Key dignitaries present included His Royal Majesty, Boniface Chukwuemeka Unogu, the Ishigbo of Owerre-Nkwoji, and his queen, Lolo Comfort Unohu. Others in attendance were Chief Barr. Uchenna Alaoma, President General of the Owerre-Nkwoji Town Union; High Chief Chijioke Francis Akunnia Tassie, Lord Mayor of Owerre-Nkwoji; and Mrs. Agatha Onyeso, President General (women’s wing) of the town.
