Abia entrepreneur launches free medical outreach for community members, donates text books to school

By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu On May 13, 2026

Ogbonnaya Ikokwu Umuahia

An entrepreneur Samfrank Abarikwu has launched a two-day free medical outreach aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for residents of his Ihe Ndume home community in Umuahia North Local Government of Abia State.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the outreach, Abarikwu disclosed that it provides free medical consultations, drugs distribution and treatment for people of all ages.

He said, “Special attention is being given to elderly residents, who often face the greatest barriers to healthcare access.

“This is not my first charitable project, and it was inspired by the need for quality healthcare in the community.

“Healthcare is expensive and out of reach for many people. I wanted to bring services closer to the people and make a direct impact at home.”

Abarikwu explained that his time abroad prompted him to give back. “If I succeed in business but can’t make an impact where I come from, it wouldn’t make sense. Charity starts at home.The initiative is non-political”he said.

He emphasized that the outreach is part of a broader pattern of community support, which has included free jamb registration for 200 residents earlier this year and a community football competition in December last to promote peace and unity.

“Earlier today, I also donated 100 books to the library of Ibeku High School in partnership with Golden Light Bookstore.

“The two-day outreach will run through tomorrow, with higher attendance expected over the weekend. Services are open to children, youth, adults, and the elderly, he added.

Abarikwu also commended recent improvements in Abia State’s healthcare system, noting renovations of health centers, improved infrastructure, and regular payment of health workers’ salaries.

“The government cannot do everything. We’re happy to see progress, and people like us are happy to play our role in the community, he noted.

Also speaking an Emergency physician Dr. Chukwu Prince, said the free medical outreach covers general medicine and eye care treatment.

He added that the medical team offers basic lab investigations and referral of patients to the Federal Medical centre Umuahia further testing for more complex cases.

He said, “We were assembled by the convener, a good son of this community. He decided to extend health services to the poor, the needy, and the downtrodden. That’s why he called us to join him and provide care.

“we have a range of drugs available that we administer to patients on-site. For complex cases, we also refer patients to FMC for follow-up treatment.”