By Nkiru Anakor
The Chief Medical Director(CMD) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has expressed the hospital’s readiness to collaborate with Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo on initiatives to advance women’s empowerment, cultural preservation and community development.
She gave the assurance on Oct. 9, while receiving the association’s President General, Iyom Josephine Aninih, and other members during a familiarisation visit to the hospital.
The delegation congratulated Dr. Umeakuewulu on becoming the first female CMD of COOUTH, discussing opportunities for cooperation between the hospital and the association. It also invited her to its forthcoming event scheduled for Oct. 27, at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Speaking during the visit, Iyom Aninih said the six-year-old association brings together Igbo women by birth and marriage to promote women’s participation in society, preserve Igbo cultural heritage and encourage positive social change.
She highlighted the need to teach children the Igbo language, noting that preserving the mother tongue is essential to sustaining the identity, values and traditions of the Igbo people.
In her response, Dr. Umeakuewulu commended the association’s efforts, stressing that meaningful social progress requires shared responsibility and the active participation of women.
She said COOUTH was willing to explore practical areas of cooperation with the association and other organisations whose objectives align with the hospital’s mission.
The CMD added that her vision for COOUTH extends beyond medical treatment to building an institution known for excellence, innovation and compassionate care.
The visit marked an initial step towards closer engagement between the two organisations, with potential areas of common interest including women’s development, cultural awareness and community wellbeing.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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