…ISTDAL names him Grand Patron
Imo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Barrister Success Obioma Akagburuonye, has donated medical equipment worth $7.8 million, about N11 billion, to the Imo State government. His one condition is that all 27 Local Government Areas must benefit.
He made the announcement in Lagos before members of the Imo State Towns Development Association, Lagos (ISTDAL), at Shoregate Hotels, Ikeja, where the association conferred on him its Grand Patron Award.
Akagburuonye told the gathering that the Canadian government gave the equipment to him personally, as part of its humanitarian support for improving healthcare in Imo.
“As soon as the Canadian government approved the donation, I went and reported to the Governor of Imo State and our partners,” he said. “They asked how I intended to distribute it. I said that since it is worth $7.8 million, roughly N11 billion, it must go round all 27 LGAs. Wherever there is a health facility, we want to upgrade it with state-of-the-art equipment.
“The container came straight from Canada, and they recommended this my brother as the clearing agent. He has done very well, and it is now ready to be taken to Imo.”
Stressing that health is wealth, he said the consignment was not the last. “This is not the only container coming. This one alone has three ECG machines,” he said. “I have told the Governor it must be distributed in my village. Every doctor from the 27 Local Government Areas will come there and pick up their own share.
“I have been doing medical palliatives. I don’t know how much you have heard about me, but by the special grace of God, even though I am no magician, I have been able to make some impact.”
Responding to a speech by the ISTDAL President, High Chief Chris Ekeocha, Akagburuonye insisted he was no politician. “I am not a politician; I am a transformer,” he said. “So when I say something, hold me to it and take it to the bank.”
He then used the moment to make a request. “To show my appreciation for this award, I ask that you nominate someone to represent you in the work we will be doing through the Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation from now on.”
The event, a special segment of ISTDAL’s 40th anniversary celebration, drew friends and well-wishers of Imo people. Among them was Distinguished Senator S.O. Fajinmi.
Other dignitaries included Lady Ada Ofoegbu, JP, Women’s Leader of ISTDAL; Obi Anuonye, Esq., the association’s Legal Adviser; Hon. Kingsley Iwuanyanwu; and Engr. Moses Iwuoha, Vice President.
In appreciation of the award, Akagburuonye gave N5 million to the association and urged members to join what he called the moving train of the Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation.
