“Rotary Club PH Odili Meadow, Ideal Vendors, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Join Forces to Combat Health and Economic Challenges in Rivers Communities”
By Precious Ahiakwo
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – September 2, 2024. In a bid to bring relief and hope to communities hit hardest by economic hardship, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Odili Meadow, in partnership with Lisa Ebede Ideal Vendors, launched a transformative outreach program on Sunday, September 1st, 2024. The event, held at the Ziadaville Event Center in Port Harcourt, provided vital medical services, food, clothing, and back-to-school items to the underserved populations of Amadi Ama, Okujagu, and Abuloma communities.
The outreach, which served over two thousand people, was unveiled by Rotary International District 9141 Governor-Elect Anthony Woghiren, who praised the initiative as one of the most impactful projects in the district’s history. With the support of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Dr. Mina Ikuru, the medical team—comprised of doctors, medical laboratory scientists, and other health professionals—offered free health screenings and treatment for conditions including acute malaria.
Dr. Nelyn Okoye, a General Practitioner and Mental Health professional who led the medical team, expressed concern over the high incidence of malnutrition-related illnesses among children, Peptic Ulcer Disease, and urinary tract infections at the outreach. The outreach provided not only medical care but also much-needed food supplies, clothing, and school materials, making a profound impact on the lives of those in need.
Beneficiaries of the outreach were overwhelmed with gratitude. A single mother of three shared, “My children have been sick for weeks, and I couldn’t afford to take them to the hospital. Today, they received the medicine they need, and I finally feel some relief.” An elderly man added, “The food, the clothes, the medical checkup—it means everything to me. I can’t thank them enough.”
The President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Odili Meadow, Akintomiwa Makinde, expressed joy at the success of the initiative, stating, “This is what Rotary is all about—serving humanity and bringing hope to those who need it most. We may not be able to solve all their problems, but today we’ve made a difference, and that’s what matters.”
Lisa Ebede, CEO of Ideal Vendors, emphasized the importance of community in making such projects possible. “I’m grateful to my supportive husband and our dedicated team of vendors for making this happen. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those we’ve helped is a reward beyond words,” she said.
Precious Ahiakwo and Jessica Tagbatsemi-Williams, members of the Club’s Project Team, noted that the project, themed “Food, Medicals, and Clothing (FMC),” is a cherished initiative under Rotary International District 9141 Governor Chinedu Ikegwani’s leadership. They highlighted how the outreach covered various areas of Rotary International’s focus, including Mother and Child Health, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic Empowerment, and Community Development.
As the outreach concluded, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Odili Meadow called on members of the public and private sector partners to support future initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities. Donations are welcomed to help expand the reach and impact of their humanitarian efforts.
For more information, donations, and partnership inquiries, please contact:
Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Odili Meadow Project
Email: rcodilimeadow@gmail.com
Phone: +2349068441652