The people of _Nihi, Afara and Odufor Communities_ in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have been thrown into jubilation following a 6-week free medical treatment program sponsored by their monarch, His Royal Highness, Eze Sir Dr. Ken Nwala, JP, DSSRS, the Ugo I of Etche Land.
The historic health intervention, which lasted six weeks, brought over 160 Rivers State students of Community Health, along with 3 dedicated doctors, to the three communities, where they provided free medical treatment, drugs, and health sensitization to hundreds of residents.
The large-scale outreach came with enormous logistical responsibilities, including accommodation, feeding, and funding for drugs to sustain free treatment for all.
At the height of the challenge, HRH Eze Sir Dr. Ken Nwala rose to the occasion and single-handedly shouldered most of the financial burden to ensure the success of the exercise.
In an Appreciation and Royal Commendation letter to the monarch, signed on behalf of the three communities, the people hailed the King for his fatherly disposition and selfless service.
According to the communities, the monarch demonstrated three rare virtues:
_1. Fatherly Heart:_ He did not turn away when the need arose but embraced it as his own responsibility.
_2. Sacrificial Giving:_ He released his personal resources to ensure the sick were treated freely and the visiting students were served with dignity.
_3. Servant Leadership:_ He proved again that a true King serves his people, in line with Mark 10:45.
"Because of you, hundreds of people received free treatment, including my eyeglasses that were changed. Because of you, our people were sensitized on health matters. Because of you, the names of our communities — Nihi, Afara and Odufor Etche — were lifted with honour," part of the commendation read.
The communities, quoting Proverbs 19:17 which says _"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed,"_ prayed for God’s bountiful reward upon the monarch, preservation of his health, blessings upon his household, and the establishment of his throne in righteousness.
"Thank you for being the hands and feet of God to us this season. We will never forget this sacrifice. May God continue to strengthen you, increase you on every side, and let your light shine brighter for generations to come," the communities added.
