The Dikenafai Ancient Kingdom in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo state has celebrated the first public outing of its new traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Ezekiel Uchenna Odoemena, the Eze Ebubedike II of Dikenafai.
The event, held at Ezumezu Dikeoshie, marked the monarch’s official presentation and celebration of leadership, unity, and cultural heritage. Highlights of the ceremony included: A free medical outreach, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to community welfare; Peace talks with traditional rulers, emphasising unity and cooperation; the conferment of chieftaincy titles on illustrious sons who contributed to Dikenafai’s development; a visit to Orie Ukwu market, promoting local farm products and distributing goods to restore the market’s glory and traditional wrestling,” Ekere Mgba.”
Eze Ezekiel Odoemena said that the Ezumezu festival is meant to unite the people, just as it signifies a new beginning for the community. He observed that the medical outreach was not just about providing healthcare but also about building trust and unity in the community.
The royal father said that the community recognised the critical challenges in healthcare access and was using the medical outreach to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery in Dikenafai.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Joachin Olumba, Emetumba I, described the outreach programme as a unique opportunity for the people to access free medical care, noting that it would help unite them.
He stressed: “There is nothing better than peace because there can be no development without it.”
He applauded the free medical outreach, which provided essential medical services, including check-ups, treatments, and health education. He also commended the team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the community.
He said that the medical outreach provided numerous benefits, including improved access to healthcare services for underserved populations, free medical treatment and health education to promote preventive care.
The Traditional Ruler of Umuakam Autonomous Community, Eze P.E. Ewuzie, Akamigbo III of Umuakam, commended Eze Odoemena for facilitating the medical outreach, which brought doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to the community level.
He congratulated the Dikenafai monarch on being formally recognised by the Imo State Government and on receiving the support of his people.
The Chairman of the Sub Committee on Publicity and Protocol, Chief Azubuike Erunugha, Ph.D, stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups.
He stated: “True community health goes beyond treatment to sustained awareness, lifestyle adjustments, and prevention.”
“Our focus is not only on treatment but also on prevention, through sensitisation and community health education,” he said.
Erunugha expressed gratitude to partners, volunteers and community members, noting that their collaboration amplified the programme’s impact.
The Head of the Medical Outreach team and the Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos, Prof. Francis Duru, credited the success of the outreach to the collaboration between Eze Odoemena and other stakeholders. “This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. We were able to mobilise resources, personnel, and expertise to achieve remarkable outcomes. The smiles we see today are our greatest reward,” he said.
Prof Duru assured that the medical outreach would now be an annual event with better services. He thanked the medical professionals who participated in the outreach programme.
The President, Inclusive Health Corporation USA, Dr Ikechi Okwara, observed that the medical outreach, organised at the instance of Eze Odoemena was exploratory in the sense that it laid the foundation for future medical interventions.
He said that, beyond providing basic medical services to the less privileged, the medical outreach also served as a platform for health education, raised awareness of diseases and their prevention, and promoted healthy practices.
Dr Okwara said that by educating the community, the outreach would encourage healthier lifestyles and the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the burden of diseases.
He stated that the medical outreach would help level the playing field, ensuring that more people have access to the care they need, regardless of their economic status.
Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives, Right Hon. Pascal Chigozie Obi, remarked that the medical intervention had given hope to the hopeless and helpless.
Another member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Barr Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, graced the occasion.
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