Ikenna Obianeri
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated the Seraphic Psychiatric Hospital and Old People’s Home, built in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, by Seraphic Foundation, the charity arm of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, powered by Evangelist Ebuka Obi.
During the inauguration of the over 400-bed space facility on Friday, Soludo lauded the Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, for having the presence of mind to construct the facility, stating that it fully aligns with him as a person and what his administration is doing.
Speaking at the event, the governor emphasised that while Evangelist Obi is changing the narrative in ministry, some others in ministry have turned it into an opportunity to enrich themselves, adding that the true essence of Christianity is the impact on society.
He assured his administration’s readiness to partner with the hospital and promised monthly support to encourage them to do more.
He said, “This is what government should be doing, but government cannot do it alone. As a way of supporting the facility, we will provide them with a transformer for electrification, and we will also construct the access road into this facility.
“Thank you because what you have done is to live out the true essence of Christianity. Evangelist Obi is sending a message to all Christians and asking a question: Who are you able to lift? Now is the time to give.
“Today, I also received Evangelist Obi at the Light House, Awka and also on the ground to commission the free Psychiatric Hospital and Old People’s Home built in Aguleri by the Seraphic Foundation — the charity arm of the Zion Ministry. With this facility, Evangelist Obi has demonstrated the true essence of Christianity by this very act.
“I am happy to forge a partnership with him for the good of the less privileged and vulnerable in our society. While on earth, we must do the work of God. May Anambra continue to win!”
Earlier in his remarks, Evangelist Obi emphasised that the event is not a political function, expressing happiness that he was received by the governor at the ‘Light House’, Awka.
Obi disclosed that the psychiatric home will become fully functional by next month, offering free medical attention to the needy, adding that building such a facility had been his childhood vision.
He hinted that similar projects had been built in neighbouring states, and there are plans to build in other states of the federation.
He said, “I cannot come to Anambra State without calling on the governor and I went to the ‘Light House’, Awka. I have never seen such a project like that; in fact, what I saw was a mini-city. I am so impressed with what I saw at the ‘Light House’, may God bless the governor.
“The aim is to provide mental health care for the less privileged and also cater to the old people free of charge. Since I announced that I am coming to Anambra, so many governorship candidates approached me, telling me they would want to make a speech, and I told them that it is not a political gathering, that I am not a politician.
“Zion Ministry is the only ministry commissioning projects like the government. Next month, the hospital will be starting full operations, and anywhere we see a mentally unstable person, we will take the person to this place for medical attention.
“This is my childhood vision. I have travelled almost every part of the world, and I have not seen where they have mentally challenged people roaming the streets. The seven buildings here can contain about 500 patients at once. I am happy that we finished the projects in record time.”
The Governor had earlier received Evangelist Obi at the Light House, Awka, before proceeding to the venue of the event, where a mammoth crowd of congregation and members of the Zion Ministry from across the country gathered to witness the occasion.
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