In a historic moment for the people of Ezza Nkwubor, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, on Saturday 11th January 2025 officially opened and blessed the state-of-the-art Bishop Callistus Onaga Hospital and Maternity. This modern healthcare facility, erected in his honor, is the first of its kind in the community and has been hailed as a divine answer to the prayers of the residents.
The grand occasion commenced with a Holy Mass at Corpus Christi Parish, Ezza Nkwubor, presided over by Bishop Onaga. The Mass was a spiritual prelude to the hospital’s opening, drawing an unprecedented assembly of clergy and laity in the community. In his homily, Bishop Onaga reflected on the collaborative spirit that birthed the project, emphasizing the importance of humility and teamwork in achieving divine purpose.
“Like John the Baptist, we are all called to fulfill our roles, not necessarily as leaders but as instruments of God,” he said. “We must recognize and celebrate the talents and efforts of others while contributing our own to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.”
A Project Rooted in Generosity and Vision
The Bishop recounted the genesis of the hospital, a vision spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Richard Ezeude, who identified the healthcare challenges in the community and reached out to benefactors in Austria. Through the benevolence of Kallham and Neumarkt im Hausruckkreis Parishes and the Government of Upper Austria, this dream was brought to fruition. The Austrian sponsors not only funded the project but also traveled to Ezza Nkwubor to witness the realization of their contributions firsthand.
A Beacon of Health and Hope
During the reception, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, the Diocesan Chancellor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Austrian benefactors for their sacrifices. He lauded their generosity, which has given life to a facility capable of offering comprehensive emergency maternal and newborn care.
Enugu State’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, commended the Catholic Church for its pivotal role in advancing healthcare in the region. “This facility, classified as a Type 3 primary health center, aligns with the government’s vision of public-private partnerships in improving healthcare delivery,” he noted. Professor Obi urged the hospital management to register with the Ministry of Health to integrate the facility into the state’s healthcare system and enhance evidence-based policy-making.
The President-General of the Ezza Nkwubor community, Chief Ikechukwu Anselm Nwafor, expressed profound appreciation for the initiative, describing it as transformative for the community. However, he seized the moment to advocate for a secondary school, highlighting the challenges faced by students who currently trek over 10 kilometers to access education.
A Testament to Collaboration and Faith
The hospital’s completion after three years of diligent effort stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, faith, and determination. With services already underway, the facility is poised to transform healthcare delivery in Ezza Nkwubor and its environs, offering a lifeline to expectant mothers and newborns while reducing the burden of medical emergencies.
A Future Full of Promise
Bishop Onaga concluded the event by urging all present to continue leveraging their talents for the greater good. “This hospital is a manifestation of God’s glory, achieved through human cooperation,” he said. “As we play our individual roles, let us remember that the ultimate glory belongs to God.”
The opening of Bishop Callistus Onaga Hospital and Maternity marks a new chapter in the story of Ezza Nkwubor, a chapter defined by hope, health, and the enduring power of collective action. For the community, it is not just a hospital but a symbol of answered prayers and a brighter future.
Highlights of the event were the conferment of chieftaincy titles to the benefactors from Austria and the presentation of certificates of appreciation by Rev. Fr. Richard Ezeude to the European visitors in different capacities.
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