On Sunday, December 29th, 2024, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State inaugurated the newly remodelled Mother of Mercy Hospital in Ihe-Shikeaguma, Awgu Local Government Area; a project costing over N300 million.
The rehabilitation of the hospital was spearheaded by the Ihe Development Initiative (IDI), a group comprising local entrepreneurs, academics, and servicemen.
The hospital was established in 1976 by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, with support from the late H.R.H. Igwe Dennis Nweke Chukwu (Igwe Denchukwu), the former Traditional Ruler of Ihe-Shikeaguma. It is currently managed by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, which was formed from the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Mbah, represented by State Commissioner for Health Prof. Emmanuel Obi, stated that the project aligns with his administration’s goal of improving healthcare access in rural areas.
“It is an honour to witness the collaboration between IDI and the Ihe community in supporting the innovative initiatives of my administration through this developmental project,” he remarked.
“This accomplishment is commendable and aligns with the Enugu State Government’s policies aimed at reducing the poverty index and improving the health of the citizens.
“What has been achieved is a refurbishment that significantly enhances healthcare delivery for Ihe and its surrounding areas,” Gov. Mbah added.
He also urged for a stronger partnership between the community and the Catholic Diocese of Awgu to maintain the improvements made at the hospital.
“As it is a mission hospital, we welcome their official request for collaboration,” Gov. Mbah stated.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, Most Rev. John Okoye, expressed his appreciation for IDI’s efforts in transforming the hospital to better serve the community.
“I congratulate them and encourage them to explore other areas where assistance is needed.”
He pledged to address the hospital’s understaffing issue highlighted by Gov. Mbah, emphasising that the diocese would work with the community to ensure the hospital has the necessary manpower.
The bishop urged the local population to continue utilising the hospital for improved healthcare.
Air Commodore John Ozoemena (Rtd), the event’s chairman, thanked IDI for initiating the project, highlighting that their teamwork, generosity, and dedication to Ihe’s welfare were pivotal to its success.
“I urge all sons and daughters of Ihe, members of the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, and all staff at this facility to remember that this achievement belongs to all of us and to care for it.”
Earlier, Dr Madueke Ekoh, President of the Ihe Development Initiative (IDI), explained that their aim in remodeling the hospital was to enhance the lives of their community members.
He described the hospital prior to their intervention as a neglected site, with dilapidated conditions including leaky roofs, lack of water and sanitation facilities, no functioning emergency unit, absent pharmacy services, inadequate wards, and broken windows and doors.
“In light of this, we were tasked with creating effective strategies to galvanise support and initiate a rescue mission.”
“IDI successfully raised approximately N345 million from ourselves, well-wishers, and friends both locally and internationally to fund this project.”
“We have rebuilt the main building, refurbished the general ward, acquired new hospital beds and accessories, a new maternity labour bed, high-quality office furniture, reconstructed staff quarters, erected a fence with new rails and gates, and installed a solar-powered borehole with extensive distribution throughout the hospital.”
“We also set up a high-capacity 10KVA solar power system, established a drainage system, refurbished the hospital ambulance, and completed general landscaping with asphalted pavements,” Dr. Ekoh stated.
He further announced that IDI would establish a Hospital Endowment Fund to enable ongoing contributions to sustain the hospital, which currently has about N4 million.
Senator Osita Ngwu, representing the Enugu West Senatorial zone, promised to provide equipment worth over N50 million to enhance the hospital’s capabilities, including the establishment of an imaging and dialysis centre.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished community members, cash gifts to students who excelled in their studies, and the commissioning of the Ihe-Shikeaguma security tower/city gate, built by a group known as the G10.
