Business Mogul and tech entrepreneur, Dr.Uzoma Obiyo says government efforts, though important, are not sufficient to meet the healthcare needs of rural communities, insisting that individuals and community leaders must step in to bridge the gaps.
The businessman and philanthropist spoke at the 2025 free medical outreach organised by the Samuel Mary & Dame Emily Obiyo Foundation in Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, where hundreds of indigents received free healthcare services.
According to Obiyo, many people in rural communities delay or completely avoid seeking medical attention because they cannot afford hospital bills, a situation he described as dangerous and preventable through collective action.
He said the outreach was conceived to support indigent residents suffering from common but life-threatening ailments, stressing that early detection of illnesses remains critical to preventing complications and avoidable deaths.
The medical outreach, held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, took place at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Nne-Ise Ugiri Ike, and was organised under the foundation’s motto, “Transforming lives for a better tomorrow.”
A wide range of healthcare services were provided during the exercise, including free medical consultations, health education and awareness sessions, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, body mass index assessments and deworming services.
Eye care formed a major component of the outreach, with patients examined by specialists and beneficiaries with visual impairments receiving free corrective eyeglasses.
Essential drugs were also distributed to patients based on professional medical advice, while trained and qualified medical personnel were on ground throughout the programme to ensure quality service delivery.
Residents of Ikeduru and neighbouring communities turned out in large numbers for the outreach, many describing it as timely and impactful amid rising healthcare costs and limited access to medical facilities.
The chief medical consultant, Chinwe Ngozi Umezuruike, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, commended the foundation for sustaining the initiative.
Umezuruike described the outreach as well-coordinated and effective, noting that it addressed critical health needs, particularly in the area of eye care, and reflected a strong commitment to community wellbeing.
The programme was facilitated by Obiyo, who is the chief executive officer and chairman of Multi Net Group Limited, a conglomerate with interests in technology, energy, security systems and real estate.
He is widely known in Imo state for combining business success with philanthropic interventions in healthcare, infrastructure development and social welfare, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights in several communities across Imo State.
Beyond healthcare, Obiyo also highlighted the challenge of hunger and food insecurity, urging wealthy and influential individuals to support vulnerable households within their immediate environment.
Some beneficiaries, including Ochiora Chigoziri Njoku and Lady Pauline Oguchukwu, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as life-changing and praising Obiyo for what they called his consistent commitment to the welfare of the people.
Another beneficiary, Okechukwu Agwamba expressed delight with the medical outreach, saying he is delighted to have benefited from Dr. Obiyo ‘s benevolence.
Apart from the medical outreach, Obiyo’s foundation is also set to roll out a large-scale empowerment programme for the people on New Year’s Eve.
Pic 2: Top Medical Officials Who Observed The Medical Outreach
