High Chief Olu Ernest Ndukwe, Founder, Ubazuoha Charity Foundation.
The outreach, held at the Ishiagu Civic Centre in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State, was convened by the Foundation’s founder, High Chief Olu Ernest Ndukwe, popularly known as Yar’Adua, to commemorate his 39th birthday.
Rather than a ceremonial celebration, the businessman and Managing Director of Oluwasons Enterprises and Sonoc Oil and Gas Investment Limited opted for what he described as “a practical expression of gratitude to God through service to humanity.”
Addressing journalists at the venue, Ndukwe said the outreach was designed to cater for at least 3,000 patients, though attendance exceeded initial projections.
“Our target was about 3,000 patients. We structured it in such a way that beyond medication, beneficiaries would also receive food items to support recovery,” he explained.
Stacks of packaged rice were distributed to each patient after treatment to ensure they had adequate meals while undergoing medication. “If a patient has no food at home, the drugs may not work effectively. That is why we added food support,” he noted.
Medical services provided included basic laboratory tests such as hepatitis B screening and malaria diagnosis, while more complex conditions were documented for referral to specialist hospitals. The Foundation undertook to bear the cost of advanced treatments where necessary.
Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Ndukwe reflected on his upbringing in Ishiagu.
“I grew up here. I have seen what our aged mothers and fathers pass through, especially those without support. I still live and do business here. So in my own little way, I decided to bridge that suffering,” he said.
Although he acknowledged that the Foundation had previously carried out quiet philanthropic efforts, he described the 2026 outreach as intentionally expanded and public due to the scale of beneficiaries targeted.
“I believe in helping quietly. But because of the large number we intended to capture this time, we made it open. And it will continue,” he assured.
He also used the occasion to urge affluent youths to embrace purposeful giving. “Wealth cannot follow us beyond this life. If God has blessed you beyond your needs, use the surplus to impact lives. It is better to touch lives while we are still alive.”
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Onyekachi Daniel (OO Daniel), who flew in from Canada to coordinate the programme, disclosed that more than N20 million had been raised through voluntary donations from friends and well-wishers.
“Immediately the programme was announced, donations started coming in without formal solicitation. As of this morning, we have recorded over N20 million,” he said.
According to him, cheques were being issued to settle outstanding hospital bills for indigent patients, some of whom had been detained in medical facilities due to inability to offset their charges.
“We projected 500 beneficiaries initially, then increased it to 1,000. But after the first day’s turnout, we scaled up logistics, medical personnel and supplies. So far, over 2,000 patients have been treated, with some referred for specialist attention,” Daniel stated.
Beyond medical care, selected beneficiaries received direct cash grants ranging from hundreds of thousands to N1 million to support pressing personal and health-related needs.
Speaking at the event, High Chief Gilbert Ajaeze of Amaeze Ishiagu and businessman based in Port Harcourt described the gesture as “a challenge to other well-meaning citizens.”
“He is not the richest among us, yet he chose to release from his purse to wipe tears and put smiles on faces. This is a better way to celebrate a birthday,” Ajaeze said, noting that beneficiaries came from neighbouring states and beyond.
Pastor Uchenna Oti offered prayers for the sustainability of the initiative, urging other spirited individuals to emulate the Foundation’s “humanity-first” philosophy.
“It is God who heals, but we must play our part as humans. Let this example inspire others to serve,” the cleric said.
Chief Mrs. Ruth Ernest Olu Ndukwe, wife of the founder, attributed the philanthropic drive to Christian values rooted in compassion. “We follow the footsteps of Christ, who was always moved by compassion when He healed. We strive to reflect that character so that glory returns to God,” she said.
With an ambulance on standby, a team of doctors conducting tests, and structured referrals for advanced care, organisers described the programme as more than a one-off intervention.
Officials of the Foundation confirmed that the outreach would be sustained annually, with continuous monitoring of referred cases and further empowerment programmes planned for later in the year.
For many beneficiaries in Ishiagu and beyond, the 2026 Ubazuoha Charity Foundation Medical Outreach was not merely a birthday event but it was a lifeline.
