The family of late Pa Ambrose Modebe of Ogbetiti Quarters, Isheagu in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, under the auspices of the Modebe Foundation, has organized the fifth edition of its medical outreach, with a renewed commitment to expand access to healthcare services and empowerment.
The health outreach which took place in Ogbetiti Quarters, Isheagu on Easter Monday, brought together, the elderly, children and youths for treatment of sundry health challenges, comprising eye test/screening, vital signs, testing for malaria, blood sugar, among others, followed by distribution of free glasses, as well as drugs depending on diagnosis and prescription by doctors.
Head of the family, the Ozoma of Isheagu, Chief Austin Modebe said it derives joy in bringing healthcare services to the doorsteps of persons who may not have access to medical services due to their geographical location or financial capacity.
He stated that the desire to reach more beneficiaries amidst the challenging economic times led it to solicit for funds from well-meaning individuals in the society, adding that the donations will go a long way in complementing the personal efforts of he and his siblings in the past five years.
“The Foundation was established in 2022 in loving memory of our father, Pa Ambrose Egwuonwu Modebe and his wife, Catherine, who died in 1992 and 2012 respectively. It was founded in 2022 by me and my siblings during the 30th year of his demise”, Modebe said.
“Our focus is the aged, the needy and all categories of vulnerable persons. Hence, our activities include fighting drug abuse, hospital visitation, discouraging cultism and skills acquisition.”
He added that the Modebe Foundation whose motto is “Lifting and Impacting Lives” has also presented hearing aid to those with hearing impairment and water provision in Isheagu.”
Modebe, who is an executive of of Coalition of Anioma Traditional Title Holders, said he and his siblings had single handedly sponsored the life touching programmes of the Foundation, while he informed that support will be given for referrals to enable patients get further medical attention where necessary.
He added that soliciting for funds is in line with furthering the noble activities of the Foundation.
One of the Modebes, Ms Bridget Modebe, who is the sixth daughter of the family, described the medical outreach as a huge success, while expressing joy at the turnout of persons. She said it is held annually and sometimes biannually as part of their desire to give back to the society from their modest resources.
Also speaking, Mr. Nduka Modebe reminisced on his father’s life, describing him as a man who cared for people and was a philanthropist in his own little way. “He worked in the hospital and that perhaps, is the reason we decided on the medical outreach. That was his life’s work and something he will be proud to see us doing in his memory.”
The last daughter, Mrs. Okedinmbu Ifechukwude said the family will continue to bring succour to the needy, while urging charitable persons to assist in realizing the noble vision.
The medical team included Dr. Sharon Chidiebere Ohaka, an optometrist at Healthfare Medical Services, Owerri, who gave a health talk, Dr. Francis Okudo of Government Hospital, Isheagu, a nurse, Mrs. Gloria Ndabai, Pharmacist Prosper Oyem of Proxicare Pharmacy, Okpanam and a health educator, Ms Ozobeme Shalom.
The beneficiaries, including Mr. Jude Megbolu, Pa Ogodiuno Daniel, Mr. Megbolu ID., and others commended the Foundation, praying for its continued existence.
The day-long medical outreach was followed by a fund raising. Modebe said although attendance was not as expected, they looked forward to a positive response by those that were invited and the general public.
Guests included the Vice Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Hon. Nneka Dibia. Those who made donations included the Coalition of Anioma Traditional Title Holders through their Chairman, Amb. Mayor Enujeko, Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Daniel Odigwe, Chief Chidi Tugwa, Alhaji Murtala, Chief Eloke Asiokwu, among others.
