In December 2023, a prestigious medical outreach team from California, USA, had the privilege of visiting Nigeria. They were sponsored by Universal Mobile and Urgent Care Medical Services (UMMUCS) in collaboration with Philanthropy Hands-On, a renowned non-governmental organization. The team was led by Dr. Iheanacho Ofo and his wife, Dr. Joy Ofo. These two individuals are part of the esteemed founding members of the Abia Diaspora Elite Group (ADEG), a distinguished collective of Abia natives residing abroad. They are committed to wholeheartedly embracing, endorsing, motivating, and actively participating in the positive transformation taking place in Abia, their beloved birthplace and a State blessed by divine providence.
Iheanacho and Joy made the most of their visit by attending a high-profile Diaspora meeting organized by the Abia State government. This was an outreach by the State government to Umu Abia, who returned home from overseas for the holidays, to inform them about the Governor’s inclusive and consultative administration, as well as to update them on the government’s ongoing projects. During the meeting, each Diasporan was given the opportunity to express their mission and goal for the State, furthermore, the medical team had the opportunity to meet with esteemed government officials, including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okoronkwo, who is dedicated to improving the welfare system for the people of Abia. They also had the opportunity to meet with other esteemed government officials.
After these discussions, the government was impressed by and identified with the charity-driven medical program and mission of the Diaspora team from California. Consequently, government authorities few days later, escorted Dr. Joy for several Abia state outposts in need of urgent medical attention. The experience of the medical team is truly remarkable. Dr. Joy shared with ADEG a detailed account of a village where a considerable number of people were affected by ocular infections. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that there was a shortage of drinkable water in the area, potentially caused by contamination of the only stream that provides water to the community. She mentioned that she provided medical assistance immediately to those she was able to reach and promptly addressed their cases. This is a strong appeal to the governor of Abia State, Mazi Alex Otti. These communities need help. The Diasporan team wishes to categorically state that the plea to the Governor is not meant to undermine his or his hardworking team’s efforts to restore a State that had reached its lowest point. Revitalizing a State that has been dormant for the past 24 years will be a formidable challenge but we recognize that the Governor is doing a fantastic job beyond any one’s wildest expectations. Therefore, we sincerely apologize in advance if the appeal to Governor Otti is perceived differently. This is a modest attempt on our part to draw the government’s attention to the challenges faced by these underprivileged communities visited which include Umuchieze, with a particular focus on Lokpa, specifically nke Ukwu and nke Nta; and perhaps through ADEG, to institute a statewide program for healthcare access in rural areas. The current plea for assistance from these communities in Abia is heartbreaking and demands immediate action.
Which brings us to the title of this incredible story, a genuine portrayal of life without any embellishments: Dr. Joy, accompanying a convoy of State officials en route to their destination, glanced out the vehicle window and noticed a child walking home from school with shoes that were too small for his feet. It was evident that he was sporting two pairs of shoes at once, with half of his feet peeking out from the footwear. A perfect illustration of the saying that “some have achieved success while others have not.” She insisted on an immediate halt to the convoy, and with a sudden burst of curiosity, she asked the young lad about the size of his shoe. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find that particular measurement in her charity box, which she relies on to distribute much-needed medical supplies to different communities in Nigeria. However, unperturbed, she asked about the boy’s identity. After the events of that day, the mother couldn’t rest until she had resolved the issue with the boy’s shoe size. Since it was already late when they arrived back in the capital city and all the stores were closed, she decided to go shopping the following day to find a new pair of shoes for the boy. She quickly informed the government house officials so they could deliver it to the favored child.
The above images showcase the awe-struck child as he carefully measured his exquisite pair of freshly acquired shoes.
One may wonder, in a more playful manner, if his parents will allow him to wear them to school regularly or save them for special events, as he clatters along in his smaller-sized shoes. The outcome of our curiosity and the introspection into the parents’ mood will remain uncertain unless we plan a return visit to conclude it. Regardless, a notion has been instilled in the young boy’s mind, and we can only hope that fate continues to bless him in his journey.
