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Friday, June 27, 2025

Prison Outreach: Ikukuoma Nwangele Gives Hope, Healthcare To Prison Inmates


... Calls Gov. Uzodinma To Improve Prison Health Facility 



By Dorcas Achi


In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to humanity, Hon. Edith Nwosu, fondly known as Ikukuoma Nwangele, has provided free medical treatment to over 138 inmates at the Owerri Correctional Center.


Through her Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation, Ikukuoma and her team of dedicated healthcare professionals delivered much-needed care to the inmates, addressing pressing health concerns and offering a glimmer of hope to those who have been silently suffering.


The outreach, which took place on June 26, 2025, was a testament to Nwosu's unwavering passion for improving the livelihoods, health, and well-being of the downtrodden. According to data from the correctional center, the facility houses 3,144 male inmates and 31 female inmates, with 138 of them requiring urgent medical attention. 


The Founder Hon. Edith Nwosu emphasized during the outreach that the initiative aims at bridging the healthcare gap in prisons, where many inmates struggle with untreated medical conditions.


She reinstated her passion for humanity and her Foundation's commitment to touching numerous lives, improving healthcare and income of the less privileged. 


During the outreach, Dr. Ijeoma Mishael, a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, led the clinical team and reported that the most common health issues among the inmates were skin infections, malaria, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Many inmates had undiagnosed chronic conditions, which were identified and treated during the outreach.


The inmates expressed their gratitude for the medical care, with some sharing their personal stories of struggle and neglect. Eze Obinna, an inmate since 2017, developed an eye problem and experienced a spike in blood pressure after learning of his mother's passing. He praised the foundation for providing much-needed medical attention. Chibuzor Peter, another inmate, attributed his respiratory issues to the cold environment in the prison and commended the foundation for caring enough to provide medical help.


The State Deputy Controller of the Correctional Center lauded the foundation's efforts, emphasizing that partnerships like this are crucial in addressing the systemic challenges faced by the correctional service. He noted that while the Nigerian Correctional Service has undergone rebranding, inadequate medical resources persist, and collaborations with organizations like the Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation are vital. 


He highlighted the center's efforts to rehabilitate inmates through education and skills development, adding that the center runs primary and secondary schools, and many inmates sit for NECO exams. Additionally, he revealed that the center is working with the Open University to introduce tertiary education, underscoring its commitment to rehabilitation over punishment.


Nwosu appealed to Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma to visit the custodial center and increase state support, improve healthcare of the inmates and proffer solutions to their other serial challenges. 


Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation has a proven track record of executing community-focused projects across Imo State, including free medical missions, women and youth empowerment initiatives, and skill-building programs. Her commitment to humanity and human-based projects has touched numerous lives, and this outreach is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact.


As the foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of Imo residents, Nwosu's efforts serve as a shining example of the power of compassion and community-driven initiatives.

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