The forefront Aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anselm U. Ojezua, Esq. has picked up the nomination form to contest in the party primary coming up in February 2024 for the seat of Governor of Edo State 2024.
In a brief statement Ojezua said, “I am determined to Unite the Party for Victory and move Edo State forward, it is out of passion I do so. The people of Edo State need to be part of and beneficiaries of government. It is on this note that I have offered myself. With my wealth of experience in government, politics including my educational background and my relationships I can achieve this. It is my prayer that the party and the people of Edo State find me worthy of this job.”
Ojezua assures his supporters that he is ready and determined.
It is time to understand the dynamics of the political terrain. As at the time of writing this article only three (3) persons can be considered aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because they have picked up the Expression of Interest form from the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata, Abuja.
Hon. Omosede Igbinedion
Hon. Anselm Ojezua
Hon. Felix Akhagbue
Hon. Omosede IgbinedionHon. Anselm OjezuaHon. Felix Akhagbue
This is an indication that they are serious and ready for the contest for Governor of Edo State 2024. We expect others to join by end of the week or early next week.
The numerous media hype lately keep us wondering the intent by some would-be aspirants. The PDP National is responsible for screening the contestants/aspirants and conducting the Governorship primaries. The party cannot infringe on the rights of those who choose to contest in the race. One would have expected with PDP’s experience in politics the rancor brewing in the political space would be managed swiftly. Those who own the baby do not want the be baby divided, but there are those who have nothing to do with the baby who believe that the baby must be divided if they do not have their way.
In a situation like this what would wise King Solomon do?
We will keep you informed as others join the contest.
The Eagle Gate Investigative Reporters have spent time over the last six months monitoring the political and social media space on the Actors gearing up for the Gubernatorial election holding in September 2024 in Edo State.
The major parties in the contest the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labor Party (LP) all make front page from time to time. The PDP, however, is foremost because it not only currently holds the seat of Government, but it has also had its fair share of crisis since the entrance of Obaseki into the party. The party has been severely fractured and the hope of reconciliation on time to win the election this year retaining the seat of government is most important.
The crisis has deepened with the entrance of Asuelimen Ighodalo into the contest. Although an Edo by lineage, whose father comes from the Edo Central District, he has never been one of them socially or politically. In the 2020 election the slogan then was “Edo no bi Lagos”. This meant two things godfatherism will not be accepted and certainly Edo was not going to be possessed like Lagos is by a man or two. Not until late last year 2023 did Ighodalo pick his PDP party card from his ward. He has no political experience and unlike Obaseki who was coming from another political party with the seat of government, Ighodalo has nothing to offer in this regard.
It is rumoured that “Ighodalo is the governor’s candidate.” We say rumoured because the governor has said twice on air that he has no preferred candidate and also made a statement in Abuja that he will support whomever the party brings. This is difficult to believe when Ighodalo moves around Edo State with taxpayers’ money and the trimmings of the governor’s office, from vehicles, staff, resources and obviously on social media people appointed as Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants on government payroll promoting Ighodalo 24/7. While trying to make Edo people believe he is a wealthy man and has a lot of money to throw around.
In Edo Central District, nine persons showed interest to contest for governor. The Edo Central PDP Special committee was set up to come up with the best scenario for which they could win. This committee led by High Chief Tom Ikhimi met on December 3, 2023, and interacted with seven (7) out of nine (9) aspirants on that day. The list of aspirants did not include the name Kenneth Abhulimen. The committee promised to meet with leaders in Edo South and North districts respectively to determine the way forward and a meeting was scheduled for January 4, 2024, a month later.
In that time period, two persons on the Edo Central PDP Special committee were made Special Advisers to the Governor. Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah started working for Asuelimen Ighodalo and Kenneth Abhulimen who was never one of the aspirants in the first place is Personal Assistant to one of the special advisers in the district. It is these persons Itulah and Abhulimen who are on payroll that have stepped down for Ighodalo.
The Ighodalo grapevine social media personnel went on to misinform the public that all aspirants had stepped down for him. This is false.
Our investigative reporters having made contact with three of the aspirants want to inform the public that Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue and Clifford Ordia are currently making plans to go to the next level and are still very much in the contest for Governor.
says the Alaghodaro yearly summits have laid the foundation for a modern Edo State
The Edo State Chapter of The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the Zik Prize for Good Governance award bestowed on Governor Godwin Obaseki recently as well deserved. The party said that with the numerous strategic projects and programs the Governor has executed in the last 7 years in the state, it was no surprise that the organizers spotted him out for the award. The PDP also commended the Governor for sustaining the Alaghodaro yearly summit for the past seven years.
In a statement issued in the party’s state Secretariat along Airport Road, Benin, the Edo PDP state chairman, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said that the party was excited by the award given to the Governor. He noted that “The Edo State PDP received with excitement the Zik Prize for Good Governance award bestowed on our leader, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State. The award is no doubt well deserved considering the people-oriented projects and programs executed in the last seven years by the Governor Obaseki led administration in the State.
” This singular recognition by the organizers of this prestigious award, is a further testimony of the positive impacts Governor Godwin Obaseki has had on the development of Edo State since he took charge of governance in the State.
” The Edo state PDP wishes to use this medium to appreciate the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC), the organizers, for this honour given to a deserving hard working Governor and the people of Edo State.
” In the same vein, the Edo State PDP congratulates His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the board of the Alaghodaro Summit, for successfully hosting the 7th edition of the summit. The Alaghodaro summit has laid the foundation for a modern Edo State in economic and infrastructural development which successive governments will leverage and build on. The people of Edo State can now face the future with renewed hope.” the statement concluded.
In a historic event held on Monday, the 20th of November 2023, Under the supervision of Prof. Faith Osadolor, the Solicitor General of Edo State, A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing took place between the Edo State Government and Aigbojie Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation as well as PSHAN to construct eighteen state-of-the-art Primary Health Care Facilities (PHCs) across the state.
Representing the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Osarodion Ogie (Esq) stated that “the MOU signing was the beginning of greater things to come for primary healthcare as the construction of 18 facilities would improve the quality of care at the Facilities. He told the group that the Government is rebuilding the School of Health Technology that would train people that would work at the facility. He urged them to go on a tour of some of the newly renovated facilities as well as the school of health technology to have a feel of the quality of work ongoing.
While speaking at the event, Dr. Samuel Alli, the Edo State Honorable Commissioner for Health, expressed gratitude to the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and PSHAN for meticulously selecting the 18 PHCs earmarked for construction. He highlighted the symbolic nature of the signing, symbolizing a collective commitment to revitalizing and upgrading PHCs throughout Edo.
Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), extended a warm welcome to guests and attendees. He recognized and appreciated Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki’s unwavering support and visionary approach, noting that the Governor’s dedication has laid the groundwork for a new era in primary healthcare in Edo State.
Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation provided an insightful overview of the foundation which she stated was established to improve the lives of people through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare. She added that “as a foundation, it is their intent to construct 23 PHCs in Nigeria, with 18 PHCs designated for Edo State”. This public-private partnership intervention holds significant potential for fortifying the health system and addressing existing gaps.
Adding to the discourse, Mrs. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the Managing Director/CEO of PSHAN, emphasized the necessity of having a model PHC in each of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This, she asserted, would create a tangible impact at the grassroots level, providing perpetual technical support. Drawing on PSHAN’s successful engagements in states like Rivers, Delta, and Bauchi, she stressed the importance of a collaborative effort in Edo State, leveraging public-private partnerships to successfully implement the planned renovation of the PHCs.
The MD affirmed that Pilot PHCs for construction, include Atoruru PHC in Sabongida Ora LGA, Idunmungha PHC in Uhunmwode LGA, Uteh PHC in Iwogban, and Evbuodia PHC in Oredo LGA.
Led by the Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr Samuel Alli and the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA Dr Omosigho Izedonmwen the guest took a tour to the newly renovated Aruogba PHC, Oredo LGA where they were taken on a tour of the facility by the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Igbinobaro and the Head Nurse in charge of the facility Mrs Flora. They later proceeded to the School of Health Technology, Sapele Road where construction work is currently underway.
In a bid to foster unity and strategies for the sustainable development of Edo South Senatorial District, prominent leaders, and other stakeholders in the senatorial district converged on Benin City, the Edo State capital, to chart a course for the region’s advancement.
Presenting the eight-point communiqué reached at the end of the meeting to journalists in Benin City, former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said the parley became necessary to set an agenda for the unity and sustainable growth and development of the senatorial district.
The communiqué reads: “The meeting was convened at the instance of a core group led by His Excellency, John Odigie-Oyegun (past Governor, Edo State), with His Excellency Godwin Obaseki (Governor, Edo State) and His Excellency, Lucky Igbinedion (past Governor, Edo State) as co-hosts.
“In attendance was an impressive cross-section of Edo-South sons and daughters from the public and private sectors, different professional and social backgrounds, and cutting across political divides.
“There was a consensus on the underlying objective to meaningfully interrogate, articulate, redefine, and refocus the collective interests of all the people who constitute the population of the Edo-South Senatorial District within the context of Nigeria’s prevailing political and economic realities.
“After exhaustive engaging and productive discussion of different perspectives to the stated objective, a number of resolutions were arrived at.”
It further noted, “It was resolved that a broad-based elite consensus be engendered to enable us strategically leverage on the competitive advantage of our demographic strength, and the unique creative and productive potentials of our people in order to reverse the progressively diminished relevance and influence of our people in all spheres – national and sub-national.
“It was further resolved that, in pursuit of our stated goals of seeking to effectively reposition the Edo-South Senatorial district for the critical challenges that lie ahead of our State and the nation, we must rise above political partisanship in all its ramifications. Our singular focus must be the interest of Edo-South.
“Also resolved was the decision to engage, and where feasible, cooperate with other similar groups within and outside Edo State to the extent that such engagement results in the promotion of our stated objective.
It added, “As the platform for the aggregation of the interests of the Edo South Senatorial District, the meeting will be held on a regular basis.”
Other leaders at the meeting include former Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, DIG Parry Osayande (Rtd), HRH Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prof. Greg Akenzua, Dr. Tonnie Iredia, Engr. Greg Obeifun, former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Elizabeth Ativie, Sen. Neda Imasuen, Market Women Leader, Blacky Ogiamien, and Dr. Victor Enoghama, amongst others.
Joseph and his mother came everyday to the FREE 2019 MEDICAL, DENTAL, OPHTHALMOLOGY AND SURGICAL MISSION FOR EVERYONE by the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) which held from April 5 to April 10, 2019. They had no idea what the mission was about or how it could help them. This was when Katherine Chandler met Joseph and decided to take up his case.
Katie recently met a 15-year-old boy named Joseph during a medical mission in Abuja, Nigeria with Bridge of Life in partnership with ANPA. Joseph and his mother, Rosemary, were first in line every morning to receive medical care. Unfortunately, our team was not able to treat Joseph. He suffers from a congenital heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot that requires corrective surgery. This condition causes oxygen-poor blood to flow out of his heart to the rest of his body, leaving him fatigued and out of breath. Yet, Joseph and Rosemary still returned to the clinic every single day and waited from morning until evening with the hope that he might receive treatment.
Katie thought of Joseph often since returning from Nigeria in mid-April. He’s 15 going on 16, but wouldn’t pass for over 10 years old. He was quiet, but determined. He was strong, but scared. He was smart, but recently had to quit school because he is too weak to attend. He graciously accepted food from our team, but sensibly tucked it away to later share with his four siblings. His eyes looked wise and his face mature, but he seemed young and innocent as he climbed on to his mother’s back each evening for her to carry him home.
Surgery is the only effective treatment for Joseph. In fact, less than a quarter of children with tetralogy of Fallot that are not treated surgically live past the age of 10. Joseph has fought his way to get this far, but his symptoms are quickly worsening and we need to move quickly for Joseph to survive. ONE surgery would allow him to live a relatively normal life.
The sad reality of Joseph’s situation is that the single obstacle that prevents him from receiving lifesaving surgery is money. We have identified a reputable surgeon in Nigeria that can perform the operation, but we can’t move forward without the necessary funds. $13,000 will cover travel, preoperative investigations, surgery, hospital stay, medications and follow-up.
Please open your hearts to Joseph, and let’s save his heart! Thank you in advance for any contribution you can offer! Money was raised for Joseph through Go Fund me.
May 19, 2019 a day after surgery, Joseph is recovering nicely.
Our God, the Great Physician has done it again as He answered our collective Prayers for Master Ikechukwu Joseph’s successful surgery yesterday at the Tristate and Associate Cardiovascular hospital, Shagamu, Ogun State. The surgery was done by our own Dr. Michael Sanusi and his team. Dr. Sanusi is a Cardio thoracic Surgeon and happened to be a foundation member of ANPA. To God be the Glory. As you can see in the pictures above is Joseph, propped up with Dr. Sanusi and his team of Doctors and Nurses.
Joseph reunited with his family on May 30, 2019
Joseph, his mother and father were united last week in the hospital in Abuja. Katie had the opportunity to speak with them a couple days ago. Total bliss! Joseph said he is doing great and feels very well. His mom and dad asked her to thank all the beautiful people that gave Joseph another chance at life. They said we all have a home in Nigeria!
With the funds raised, we were able to complete Joseph’s operation, cover the travel costs between Lagos and Abuja, cover the hospital stay for Joseph’s recovery in Abuja and provide a small amount of money to the family. Rosemary, Joseph’s mom, said she is going to use these funds to buy some products to start a small kiosk.
Joseph will have ongoing medical expenses. We would also like to contribute to his education. Please continue to spread the word and perhaps we can help give Joseph an even brighter future!
Joseph has a stronger heart because of all of you. I hope this journey with Joseph and his family has impacted all of your hearts as well! I know mine is overflowing when I think about this young man and his family… and about all of you. The love and kindness from this group knows no boundaries or borders. Just think, if we all continue to love like this, how AMAZING this world could be! Keep it going!!!!
Joseph discharged and going home today, Friday, June 14, 2019
Good job ANPA and Bridge of life for saving this remarkable boy’s life. Well done.
Omosede Global Foundation took a total of five children for free heart surgery at the National Hospital in Abuja. Four children left with us from Edo State on Sunday, May 26, 2019, Clinton, Ifesinachi, Benedict, Destiny. Emmanuel who lives in Oyo State left a day ahead of us for Abuja on May 25, 2019.
Planning started in February 2019, broadcasts and screening of children started in March 2019, the final list for the children was sent to the National Hospital on April 30, 2019 and preparations for travel started in the first week of May 2019.
Preparing to leave Benin City, Edo StateThe children and their parents/guardian
The team left Benin City on Big Joe transport company and was blessed with a great driver who took into consideration the health of our children. We arrived Abuja and were taken to the Supreme Hotel Ltd. The owner gave us a 50% discount for our hotel rooms and also made a donation of #50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) to the foundation to support the mission. Each family had a room to themselves.
On the morning of Monday, May 27, 2019 the families were fed breakfast and transported to the National Hospital for screening. All the children were registered with the hospital and screened. These were the findings.
At the National Hospital on Monday, May 27, 2019 for screening Destiny, 14 months old female
Grandma Destiny was her guardian for the trip because mum is nursing a new born. Destiny is healing naturally, the hole in her heart is closing as she grows and there is no need for surgery. Destiny returned home with grandma on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.
Clinton, 9 year old maleIfesinachi, 11 year old female
Clinton and Ifesinachi were referred for a CT Angiography (coronary) on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 for further and more detailed investigation of the heart.
Clinton’s father was present throughout his care and Ifesinachi’s mother was present throughout her care.
The Children had to have a kidney analysis done to determine if they were able to tolerate the process. Both came back good and were taken for their CT Angiography.
While waiting for our turn at the laboratory. Benedict’s dad followed us for support.Ifesinachi waiting to undergo her CT Angiography Clinton during his CT angiography CT Angiography Ifesinachi after her CT Angiography
The results were picked up on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 showed that both Clinton and Ifesinachi were not operable and not eligible for heart surgery.
Clinton’s dad had done everything to get help for his son sooner. He had sold everything he had including his work tools to raise the money for his son’s surgery. Still not enough he tried to get help by writing letters to elected officials and government for assistance, but none responded. The CT Angiography shows that over time the heart had become enlarged with other complications which makes it impossible to have surgery now.
Having further discussions with Ifesinachi’s mother, Omosede Global Foundation found that since it was discovered that Ifesinachi had heart problems at 4 months, her parents never took her back to the hospital for treatment. Ifesinachi had never been on any medication to date and she was now eleven years old. Her parents said they resulted to prayers as advised until their pastor took his son for surgery for a growth in his neck. Only then did they start looking for help for their child. She was sent our way by the hospital.
Benedict, 3 years old, male was admitted on Thursday, May 30, 2019 for surgery.
On Thursday, May 30, 2019 Benedict was admitted into the National Hospital, Abuja. Both parents were present with the child. All blood tests, x-rays and preparation where done. On Friday, May 31, 2019, number one for surgery the surgeon came down to see Benedict to do one last check before surgery. Initial check showed that he had some scattered sounds prone to children with heart problems. She requested the X-ray and found Benedict had an infection, which needed to be treated prior to surgery. Benedict is rescheduled for surgery and on the priority list for September 2019 and will be among the first 3 children operated on. Benedict was placed on Antibiotics and discharged at about 8 pm. He returned to the hotel.
Emmanuel, 1 year old male, was admitted on Thursday, May 30, 2019 for surgery
Emmanuel was also admitted into the National Hospital on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Both parents were present. On Friday, May 31, 2019, number two on the list, the surgeon moved to prepare Emmanuel for surgery. Further review of his blood test should he had an additional problem which required special kitting by the team of surgeons. This was erroneously omitted from his referral. Emmanuel is rescheduled for heart surgery and on the priority list for September 2019. Emmanuel was discharged in the evening at about 8 pm and returned to the hotel.
No surgeries were done at the National hospital from Friday to Sunday when the surgeons returned back home.
The Omosede Global Foundation had dinner with the team to review our experience. We stayed back on Saturday to rest, it had been a tedious week for all of us and returned back to Benin with the families on Sunday, June 2, 2019.
Omosede Global Foundation paid for all expenses with money donated to the Foundation. Transportation, accommodation, feeding and all hospital expenses not covered by the surgery itself. The parents were also given stipends.
We will have 3 new children with heart problems to join us on our trip back to Abuja for heart surgery in September 2019. Screening will begin the first week of July 2019.
The Omosede Global Foundation team included Omololu Ojehomon and Mr. Kingsley Ohens who assisted her throughout the process and prior.
Mr. Kingsley Ohens with EmmanuelDr. Patrick Uwubanmwen and Omololu Ojehomon
Our appreciation goes out to our family, friends and many others we do not know, all who wish to remain anonymous, who believed in us and donated to make this possible. May God continue to bless and replenish you infinitely.
We are totally grateful to The Mercy Igbe-Arase (née Ifidon) Foundation who helped us house our donations and disbursed on a timely manner.
To the Supreme Hotel Ltd. Who took care of us and showed us hospitality.
To 70s Grill Caterers who provided us with breakfast for our trip to Abuja.
To Big Joe transports that made sure all our requirements to transport our children with heart problems were met and for providing us with a great driver who made sure we got to our destination safely.
To Bros Monday our taxi driver in Abuja who stuck with us and made himself available at all times and on more than one occasion in the middle of the night when I had to return back to the hospital. He wanted to see it all through to the end.
To God is Good Motors upon seeing our flyer we left the previous day when Omosede Global Foundation went to book seats for the team, gave us the rest of the bus for free. The manager said, “For Enhancing lives, May God bless you, it’s the least we can do.”
To all those who supported us with words of kindness and encouragement, we thank you.
Especially to the surgeons who come to Nigeria twice a year to donate their time and skills for free and the Spem Quia Filii Foundation for making it happen.
May God never forget any of you in your time of need.
It was a bright, sunny, Summer afternoon 25 years ago when my wife and I and our youngest child (now happily married herself and a top Healthcare Executive in her own right) arrived in Southern California in the scenic, beautiful, family-friendly Disneyland for the inaugural Convention and the formal inception of the Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists in the Americas (aka ANPA). I remember seeing many familiar faces I had known from my days in Nigeria and some I met here on my sojourn to the United States of America. I remember the subsequent annual Conventions in glamorous locations/hotels and Convention-friendly cities all across the United States of America and one beautiful Convention in Abuja in 2009 under the leadership of Dr. Julius Kpaduwa.
I remember the audacious move (similar to the audacity and great hope with which ANPA was founded) by Dr. Michael Etomi to give ANPA visibility in Nigeria by setting up an Advocacy Committee that will take our case and our vision to the healthcare stakeholders in Nigeria by meeting directly with the Health Minister and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, officials of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, officials of the National Universities Commission (NUC), officials of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Senators and Representatives in the Healthcare Committees of the Nigerian National Assembly while also giving ANPA widespread publicity in Nigeria through his involvement of the owners of the efficient Channels TV. I remember the audacious move to expand ANPA’s presence and advocacy efforts in Nigeria under the leadership of Dr. Nkem Chukwumerijie by starting an ANPA Week comprising Medical Mission (working in partnership with our Nigerian-based colleagues in Nigerian institutions for better clinical follow-up and continuity of care, the first one being in Jos at Faith Alive Hospital in 2016), Advocacy meetings with all stakeholders in the healthcare sector and Continuing Professional Development (aka Continuing Medical Education as we know it in the United States of America). ANPA was even issued with a Certificate by the MDCN as an accredited organization for CME/CPD activities in Nigeria. This tradition was diligently carved out and expanded by Dr. Johnson Adeyanju (Immediate Past President) and Dr. Charmaine Emelife’s (Current President) regimes when the concept was successfully deployed at the First Consultants Hospital In Obalende, Lagos in 2017 for the Medical Mission, General Hospital, Enugu-Ukwu in 2018 and General Hospital, Kubwa, in 2019 with a strong advocacy component where we pushed for the involvement of diaspora physicians in the healthcare delivery system of Nigeria the result of which germinated in the development of the Diaspora Professionals Healthcare Initiative (DPHI) which will be started in the latter part of 2019 working cooperatively with other diaspora organizations like MANSAG (United Kingdom), CANPAD (Canada), NMA-Germany (Germany), NDF-SA (South Africa), NAPPSA (Nigerian pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in USA), NANNNA (Nigerian nurses in USA), NNCA-UK (Nigerian nurses in the United Kingdom), NMA (Nigerian Medical Association).
Now that ANPA is 25 years old, I believe we are on the cusp of building on the foundation and beautiful legacies left by the previous leadership teams to take ANPA to the next level of accomplishing its vision of a “healthier Nigeria in a healthier world”. ANPA needs to be visibly present in Nigeria by not only bringing its expertise as exemplified by the care delivered in 15-year old Joseph’s case (the tetralogy of Fallot patient) who was accurately diagnosed by Dr. Osita Onyekwere (cardiologist), promptly referred to Dr. Michael Olutoyin Sanusi (cardiothoracic surgeon and founding member of ANPA who has relocated to Nigeria), financially assisted by the efforts of Katie Chandler of Bridge of Life (ANPA partner) through Go-Fund-Me, operated on successfully by Dr. Sanusi in Nigeria who is also graciously following him up.
This is the time to come together to build that next bridge of making ANPA relevant and effective in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system working diligently, professionally and undistracted. ANPA can achieve this next milestone despite and in spite of Nigeria’s multiple political, social, ethnic and economic problems (similar to the achievement of Indians in Southeast Asia despite India’s intractable national problems) if we wrap our minds tightly around our vision and put the system(s) in place to accomplish our mission – SO HELP US GOD!
In October 2017, a great Edo son from the Central District, Kingsley Ohens, put out a broadcast to raise funds for a 16 year old child, Bright Usiholo to get heart surgery in India. He needed heart surgery urgently to save his life, Bright’s father was a bike man (Okada) and could not afford it. Omololu Ojehomon got the broadcast and called Mr. Ohens if indeed this was true, he confirmed it with photos of the admitted child in the Irrua specialist hospital as well as reports with the permission of his father. She then re-broadcast it using several media, when another great Edo son from North district, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted her of free heart surgery coming up in Abuja in September 2017 by the Spem Quia Filii Foundation.
Immediately, contact was made with Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen initiator and founder of the foundation, who requested for Bright’s documents to determine if he qualified for surgery. At short notice Bright was added to the list and was prioritized as number 2 for surgery and National Hospital Abuja where the heart surgeries was to take place was notified.
On September 21, 2017, a team of three which included Omololu Ojehomon, Mr, Kingsley Ohens and Mr. Gbenga Ajiboye left Benin for Irrua Specialist Hospital to pick up Bright Usiholo and his father, Mr. Tony Usiholo and continued to Abuja. Our anonymous Edo son housed us for free at a hotel in Abuja for the first four days. With others like Benson Okoloise, Asiwaju Ehi Gideon Ijie, Prince Godsent and more calling out to the public to raise funds, made our travel easy. Mr. Felix Akhabue also provided accommodation for an extended period of time for free at Supreme Hotels Ltd, In Abuja.
Bright Usiholo and Mr. Kingsley Ohens at the Irrua Specialist hospital when picking him up.
At the National Hospital, Abuja, Bright was screened and the cardiology team ordered a CT angiography for him, which was done. On the September 27, 2017, the results were collected and submitted. After they reviewed the result of the scan these were their submission. Bright’s operation was planned for based on the ECO report sent from Irrua Specialist Hospital to them in UK. Bright cannot be operated on because the result from the CT angiography shows complications for which the team was unprepared for. It was clearly more than what the ECO report showed which we submitted prior to their arrival. The team is unwilling to risk Bright’s life by performing the operation without the tools to sustain him. Bright stands a 50% survival rate without the machine to aid pressure during the operation. The medications which he currently takes will sustain him in the meantime. The surgeons will take Bright’s report to their UK hospital to properly study and analyze it and get set for him early next year. If the surgery is to be done in the UK they will pay part of the medical and flight fare, while we will pay part.
Bright Usiholo during his CT Angiography
In June 2018, Omololu Ojehomon got a phone call from Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen that a hospital in the UK had agreed at an almost 85% discount to do the heart surgery on Bright, it will take 24 hours only to get all Bright’s flight documents, but they were looking for a licensed family to house Bright post surgery for an extended period of time. In July 2018, the National Hospital, Abuja sent a text to Mr. Tony Usiholo to bring his son for a follow-up, he failed to do so. In August 2018 Bright Usiholo died after a crisis at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, in Edo State. May his soul Rest In Peace Amen.
Bright Usiholo and Omololu Ojehomon at the National hospital, Abuja
More determined now to get help for children in Edo State who suffered from heart disease and alarmed at the high percentage of children born with it. Omololu Ojehomon continued to work with Dr. Patrick Uwubanmwen until she was able to get slots for the children in Edo State.
It is one of the priorities of Omosede Global Foundation to help as many children get heart surgery in the state and country.
We are grateful to everyone who donated in one way or the other to save Bright’s life and May God bless all those who walked this journey with us.
Mr. Kingsley Ohens and Omololu Ojehomon at the National hospital, Abuja
