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The Godwin Obla Foundation has provided relief materials to families from Ugboju Ai-Omaga in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, who were displaced following violent attacks earlier this year.

During the presentation in Ugbokpo, Apa LGA, the Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, explained that the donation was aimed at easing the suffering of those forced to leave their homes. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every household in need benefits from the support.

Community representatives, including Dr. Inalegwu Bawa of the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, expressed gratitude, recalling the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to the welfare of Ai-Omaga people.

The local chief, Obande Jeremiah Ekoja, noted that acts of kindness like this reflect the Foundation’s dedication to reaching communities in times of need.

The Ugboju Ai-Omaga community has faced repeated attacks since 2012, leading to displacement, disruption of farming, and loss of lives. The Foundation continues to monitor the situation closely while providing assistance.

This report was first covered by journalist Steve Anyebe. You can read his original story here

The Godwin Obla Foundation, in partnership with the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), marked World Kidney Day 2024 with a community awareness march under the theme “Kidney Health for All.”

The event began at the Judith Ogwa Obla Memorial Kidney Centre and extended into major streets of Otukpo, drawing healthcare professionals, students, and members of the public. Participants shared information on kidney health, preventive care, and lifestyle habits that reduce the risk of kidney disease.

FUHSO Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah, praised the Foundation for its continued investment in community health, noting that the Kidney Centre has already reduced the need for patients to travel long distances for dialysis. Chief Medical Director of FUHSO Teaching Hospital, Prof. Silas Ochejele, called the Centre’s establishment “a dream realized,” encouraging residents to take advantage of the services for early diagnosis and treatment.

The Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, emphasized that the campaign aligns with the Foundation’s mission to build healthier, more informed communities. He described the march as the first large-scale kidney health mobilization in Idomaland, thanking FUHSO leadership and media partners for supporting the initiative.

World Kidney Day is observed globally every second Thursday of March to raise awareness on kidney health, prevention of disease, and lifestyle practices that sustain healthy kidneys.

The Judith Ogwa Obla Memorial Kidney Centre, established by the Godwin Obla Foundation at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSTHO), has commenced dialysis services. The Centre, the first of its kind to be privately built and donated to a federal teaching hospital in Nigeria, officially began operations on July 4, 2023.

FUHSO Vice Chancellor, Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah, described the development as a milestone for Benue State and surrounding communities, noting that patients no longer need to travel long distances to access critical kidney care. He commended the Foundation for its consistency in delivering on promises and expressed optimism about the planned Urology Centre.

The Foundation’s Director General, Elder Michael Ubah Obande, emphasized that the Centre is equipped with six dialysis machines and will provide affordable treatment for patients in Benue and neighboring states. He highlighted the Foundation’s core values of excellence and accessibility, explaining that staff—including doctors, nephrology nurses, and laboratory scientists—are undergoing regular training to maintain international best practices.

Since services began, four patients have already received successful dialysis sessions. Beneficiaries expressed relief at being able to access life-saving care locally.

The Centre was conceived by Chief Godwin Odumu Obla, SAN, following the passing of his wife, Judith Ogwa Obla, from kidney failure. The project began in 2022 and was completed and handed over to FUHSO in April 2023.

The Godwin Obla Foundation’s call for community-driven development, often referred to as the “Godwin Obla Challenge,” has inspired new action in Benue State. Former Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, has taken up the challenge by commencing the renovation of a High Court building in Otukpo, directly opposite the Chief Morgan Ogbole Bar Centre.

In December 2022, the Foundation constructed and furnished the Bar Centre and also renovated another High Court building, both of which were handed over to the Benue State Judiciary. At the time, Engr. Abounu publicly commended the initiative and pledged to contribute personally by addressing the dilapidated condition of an adjacent court structure.

That commitment has now materialized. Within a week of leaving office, Engr. Abounu began work on the long-neglected court building, completing the transformation of the Otukpo Judiciary complex.

The “Godwin Obla Challenge” is rooted in the idea that citizens must take ownership of community development rather than relying solely on government. The Foundation’s projects—including interventions in education, healthcare, and the judiciary—continue to demonstrate how private action can have lasting public impact.

This story was first reported by journalist Steve Anyebe. You can read the original coverage here.

Chief Godwin Obla’s Foundation Supports Two Benue Women with One Million Naira Donation