Praise for Igbo king’s support of Nigerian health projects
The Global Educators for All Initiative (GEFAI) has honoured a Dublin-based Nigerian solicitor and controversial king of Ireland’s Igbo community for his support of health projects in Nigeria.
Dr Raphael Ogar Oko – co-ordinator of the Nigerian chapter of the NGO, launched in response to the UN Millennium Summit Declaration in New York 12 years ago – said the Millennium Development Ambassador award given to Matthew Emeka Ezeani is “a recognition of his past efforts, ongoing responsibilities and more importantly, a new future focused global commissioning that takes his potential into due consideration.”
He said the organisation’s Millennium Development Council, which bestowed the honour to Ezeani, based its decision on his “commendable support to the Adona International Community Health Center and other related projects in Lagos State” that have positively impacted the local population.
According to Oko, the organisation recognises the efforts and contributions that Ezeani has made and continues to make towards “the advancement of our collective well-being” and called on him to do more “to support initiatives that facilitate community development and the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals”.
The Nigerian government officially recognises the ambassadors selected by the GEFAI and works in collaboration with them to achieve the MDGs, he added.
Ezeani told Metro Éireann: “I am delighted to have been considered worthy of the award. Initially you do this as part of your contribution to the community. It is part of my Christian ethos and a way of identifying with my community where I grew up.
“It is encouraging to be noticed for once contributions. For me, it would motivate me to do more.”
On his involvement with the Adona International Comm-unity Health Center, Ezeani said it dates back a number of years.
“I have assisted financially and materially,” he said. “I am on the board of directors… The hospital is also part of a charity runway project which brings other charities to work together in many areas.”
He said the centre includes the Arrows of God Orphanage and a community hospital. The orphanage has more than 600 residents, some of whom are now at university and are still supported by the centre. The community hospital, meanwhile, provides free medical services to locals.
Ezeani urged members of the Nigerian community in Ireland to always remember their country of origin both in good and bad times.
“I will encourage my fellow countrymen and women to remember to give back to their community while we do our best here in Ireland,” he said. “In our own little way we can help make a difference.”
As an ambassador, Ezeani said the GEFAI expects him to work on four Millennium Development Goals. These include eradicating hunger and extreme poverty; maternal and child health; environmental sustainability; and global partnership for development.
