By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Mbam Stanley Lebechi (MSL) Foundation, a humanitarian initiative driven by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Engr Stanley Lebechi Mbam, has spent over N4 million in recent months providing free medical assistance and support services to indigent residents across Ebonyi State.
Speaking with journalists over the weekend in Abakaliki, the foundation’s Coordinator, Nurse Ephraim Okorie, revealed that the MSL Foundation has handled multiple critical cases ranging from major surgeries to outpatient support, welfare packages, and educational outreach within the state.
Among the most outstanding interventions was the case of a three-month-old baby born with hydrocephalus, a severe neurological condition caused by spina bifida.
The baby, according to Okorie, was admitted for over three months, during which he underwent surgery and received comprehensive care funded entirely by the foundation.
“The total cost of that single case was over N1.7 million. We didn’t only pay the hospital bills; we also fed the baby and provided for the family during the entire stay. The baby was discharged in good health, and we’ve continued to monitor his recovery," he explained.
He further disclosed another notable case involved a 20-year-old male patient who had suffered multiple complications from incisional hernia after two previous surgeries in a peripheral hospital.
He said, "With support from the Commissioner, the patient was moved to the National Obstetrics Fistula Center, NOFIC Abakaliki, where he underwent a successful corrective procedure.
"The foundation has so far paid over N400,000 of the N600,000 medical bill, with plans to settle the balance.
"The foundation also cleared N310,000 in hospital bills for Baby Daniel, who underwent orthopedic surgery but remained detained in the hospital for three months due to non-payment.
"Upon verification, the foundation intervened, settled the debt, and facilitated their return home."
In addition to handling in-patient cases, Okorie disclosed that the foundation has extended medical relief to outpatients who could not afford basic medication and treatment.
In his words, "this includes the purchase of immunization drugs for newborns, hepatitis medication, and other life-saving injections for the poor.
"Beyond healthcare, the MSL Foundation has also embarked on community-based outreach initiatives, including the distribution of food items, clothing, and other welfare support to the less privileged.
“We are preparing for a mega outreach scheduled for September to mark the 100th Day of the Commissioner.
"It will cover free medical screening, drug distribution, and welfare donations across communities.”
On the education front, he said, the foundation has provided learning materials to pupils in Abakaliki, Izzi, and Ebonyi local government areas.
"Plans are underway to extend this support to more LGAs including Ivo, Ikwo, Ezza North, Ohaozara, among others before the end of the year," he added.
Nurse Okorie extolled Commissioner Mbam for his unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Ebonyi, describing him as the driving force behind the foundation’s growing impact.
“Each time we call, the Commissioner responds. Without his financial and moral support, none of this would be possible,” he said.
He assured that the MSL Foundation would continue to reaffirm its mission to provide free and accessible healthcare, education support, and humanitarian aid to those most in need across Ebonyi State and beyond.
