In a remarkable acknowledgment of its far-reaching contributions to healthcare delivery in Cross River State, the Oden Ewa Foundation, under the leadership of its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oden Ewa, has been bestowed with an Award of Excellence by the Cross River State Ministry of Health. The award was formally presented by Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, during a special ceremony that celebrated outstanding actors and partners in the revitalization of the state’s health sector.
The Foundation earned this recognition for its bold and humanitarian initiative of adopting 1,500 vulnerable lives into the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme, a landmark intervention that has significantly expanded access to affordable healthcare for indigent citizens. This singular effort has not only lightened the financial burden on families who could not afford medical care, but has also saved lives across several communities.
Speaking at the event, the keynote speaker highlighted the tangible results of the Foundation’s intervention, noting that within a short period, general hospitals in Ugep, Abi, and Obubra have successfully carried out more than 350 cesarean operations, alongside numerous other critical medical interventions. These achievements underscore the life-saving impact of the Foundation’s support, as many families who would otherwise have faced devastating health outcomes are now benefitting from quality medical attention.
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Beyond these numbers, the initiative has rescued indigent persons from life-threatening conditions and ameliorated the suffering of countless others battling chronic and acute illnesses. It has provided dignity, relief, and renewed hope to the less privileged, reinforcing the essence of healthcare as a basic human right rather than a privilege for the few.
Representing Hon. Oden Ewa at the event, the Director of Administration of the Foundation, Dr. Usani Joseph Ofem, described the award as a testament to the collective vision, resilience, and dedication of the Oden Ewa Foundation team. He emphasized that the recognition was not merely for the Foundation alone, but for the communities it serves and the lives it continues to touch. According to him, the Foundation’s health interventions are deliberately aligned with the blueprint of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, who has placed the well-being of the people at the very heart of his administration.
Dr. Ofem further noted that the award should be seen not only as a recognition of past achievements but also as a stimulus for the Foundation to intensify its commitment to sustaining the health needs of the people.
“This honor is a reminder that our work is far from over. It is a call to continue, to innovate, and to remain steadfast in championing the health of Cross Riverians,” he remarked.
In his personal message of gratitude, Hon. Oden Ewa expressed profound appreciation to the Cross River State Ministry of Health for recognizing the efforts of the Foundation and for showcasing how collaborative action between government and private organizations can deliver meaningful impact. He assured the people of Cross River State that the Oden Ewa Foundation will not take this recognition for granted, promising to scale its efforts and remain unwavering in its mission to bridge gaps in healthcare access.
The Award of Excellence, therefore, stands not only as an acknowledgment of what has already been achieved but also as an inspiration to do more for the people of Cross River State. With this honor, the Oden Ewa Foundation has reaffirmed its position as a trusted partner in the state’s health sector, championing initiatives that safeguard lives, promote equity in healthcare delivery, and strengthen the social fabric of communities.
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