The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial hopeful in Imo State, Chief Barrister Success Obioma Akagburuonye, has pledged medical equipment valued at $7.8 million, estimated at N11 billion, to healthcare facilities across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.
Akagburuonye made the disclosure in Lagos while speaking at a special event organised by the Imo State Towns Development Association, Lagos (ISTDAL), where he was honoured with the Grand Patron Award.
He said the medical equipment, donated to him by the Canadian government as part of its humanitarian assistance to improve healthcare delivery in Imo State, would be distributed across the 27 LGAs.
According to him, the gesture was conceived to strengthen existing medical facilities in communities across the state by equipping them with modern medical equipment.
“Immediately the Canadian government approved the donation of the medical equipment, I came and reported to the Governor of Imo State and partners. They asked me how I intended to distribute them.
“I said since they are worth $7.8 million, which is about N11 billion, they have to go round the 27 LGAs. Wherever there are medical facilities, we want to upgrade them with state-of-the-art equipment”, he said.
Akagburuonye disclosed that the first consignment had arrived from Canada and was ready for transportation to Imo State.
He said the consignment included three ECG machines, adding that more medical equipment would be delivered under the initiative.
“This is not the only container coming in. We have inside this one, three ECG machines. The container would be heading to Imo”, he said.
The APC hopeful also said he had informed the state government that his home community should be part of the distribution process, stressing that healthcare professionals from the 27 LGAs would be involved.
“I have told the Governor that it has to be distributed in my village. Yes, every doctor from the 27 Local Government Areas will come there and pick their own gifts”, he said.
‘I Am A Transformer, Not A Politician’
Akagburuonye, who spoke on his philanthropic activities in the health sector, said he had been involved in providing medical palliatives to people in need.
Emphasising his commitment to service, he declared that his approach to public service was different from conventional politics.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a transformer. So when I say something, hold me by it and take it to the bank”, he said.
He also used the occasion to invite ISTDAL to participate in the activities of Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation, a platform through which he said he intended to expand his intervention efforts.
“One of the things I’d use to appreciate this award and recognition is to request instantly that you nominate somebody who should be your representative in what we are going to do in Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation henceforth”, he said.
ISTDAL Honours Akagburuonye
The event formed part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of ISTDAL and attracted Imolites, friends, associates and well-wishers.
Among those present was Distinguished Senator S.O. Fajinmi. Other dignitaries included Lady Ada Ofoegbu, JP, Women’s Leader, ISTDAL; Obi Anuonye, Esq., Legal Adviser; Hon. Kingsley Iwuanyanwu; and Engr. Moses Iwuoha, Vice President, among others.
In appreciation of the recognition, Akagburuonye donated N5 million to the association and urged its members to support the Hope Rising for Imolites Foundation.
The medical equipment donation, he said, was part of his broader commitment to improving the wellbeing of people in Imo State and creating tangible impact beyond political considerations.