By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, has said that the Church continues to play a vital role in the provision of healthcare and social welfare services to humanity.
Ezeokenwa, made the assertion in Onitsha, Anambra State, during the celebration of the 60th Diamond Jubilee of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha.
He described the Diamond Jubilee celebration as historic, noting that it marked a significant milestone in the Church’s sustained contribution to healthcare delivery and human welfare in the society.
According to him, the celebration signifies six decades of selfless service to humanity, stressing that the hospital was established in 1965, barely two years before the Nigerian civil war.
“This shows how the Church has consistently played a pivotal role, not only in the spiritual life of the people, but also in healthcare delivery and social welfare. To me, this anniversary is historic and worthy of celebration,” Ezeokenwa said.
He further commended the Catholic Church for sustaining the hospital over the years, particularly under the proprietorship of the Archbishop of the Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke.Ezeokenwa also praised the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Izunna Okonkwo, for his leadership and commitment to maintaining quality healthcare services at the facility.
He noted that faith-based institutions like St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital have continued to complement government efforts in healthcare delivery, especially in caring for the poor and vulnerable.
