PHIL OKOSE, Onitsha
It was a roll call of creme de la creme in both religious and political circles as the popular St. Charles Borromeo Specialist hospital, Onitsha, Anambra state, marked its 60 years(Diamond jubilee) of existence.
The event attracted the National chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Hon Sly Ezeokenwa, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Managing Director, Apams limited, (popular Funeral undertakers), Dr. Kelvin Chukwumaobi, clergy, among others
Speaking at the event, the APGA National chairman, Ezeokenwa, paid glowing tribute to Archbishop Okeke who is the proprietor of the hospital, adding that the Archbishop has been able to perform humanitarian services through the hospital.
In his own contribution, the Managing Director of Apams Limited, Chukwumaobi, expressed satisfaction that the hospital attained the Diamond Jubilee and thanked God for the numerous works the hospital has been doing to save lives.
In an address presented earlier by the staff of the hospital and read by the Secretary of the planning Committee, Dr. Pharm Nnenna Ajagu, they disclosed that Archbishop Okeke as the proprietor of the Hospital, had through his steadfast leadership, and as a luminous beacon, been guiding them in the spirit of the founder of the Hospital, Archbishop Charles Heerey’s noble vision.
They specifically praised Archbishop Okeke for his annual visit and his unwavering encouragement, emphasizing that the milestone of the Hospital is not merely a statistic on a calendar by a grace-filled moment that blesses the Hospital, Onitsha Community, Anambra State and Nigeria in general.
Pharm Nnenna further in the address on behalf of the staff, appreciated Francis Cardinal Arinze who was described as a beacon of hope and resilience, as well as lauded the Health coordinator in Onitsha Archdiocese Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Ekwunife and other Reverend fathers working in various Onitsha Archdiocesan Healthcare for their support.
She also recognized the Anyaegbunamu family in Othe nitsha kingdom who provided land where the Hospital is situated and all other sponsors and partners.
She however, highlighted that the Hospital, through Maternal and Child Health, has acquired two more incubators to strengthen neonatal, expanded antenatal and clinic days to improve access for mothers and babies.
Other departments they improved included: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, Orphthaimic and optical Services, Imaging and X-Ray services, laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Pharmaceutical Services, Dialysis Services, Funeral Home and others.
She mentioned some of the projects they would undertake in 2026 including furnishing and equipping the jubilee complex, expand continuous outreach to underserved communities and enhance partnership with doners and sponsors to sustain service.
The diamond jubilee celebration which took place at the Hospital compound was preceded by a Holy Mass officiated by His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.
Delivering his sermon, Archbishop Okeke said that the Hospital was established in 1965 by the Irish missionary Priest, and former Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Archbishop Charles Herrey.
He recalled that the Hospital took care of people who suffered sicknesses and hunger after the civil war.
“As we are thanking God for the diamond jubilee, we are thanking those He is using to work in the Hospital both those who are still living and those who have died. In the history of this Hospital, they have never embarked on strike” Archbishop Okeke said.
“We can not thank you enough. Our merely gift to you people is prayer. Man gives award but God rewards” He declared.
He urged people of God to emulate white men in selfless services and always put the interest of others first if they are serving the public.
Appreciating his guests, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Izunna Okonkwo, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Okeke for his unwavering support and encouragement, praying God’s grace and long life upon him.
He also extended warranty greetings to numerous Catholic Priests and religious, and lay faithful who honoured their invitation.
Fr. Izunna, however, presented gifts to the retired staff and outstanding staff of the Hospital to motivate them.
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