Awka – It was joy for some indigents in Anambra state as they got free one year Health Insurance Premium and Educational Scholarship, courtesy of Rotary Club of Awka Central.
The largesse were presented to the beneficiaries during the installation of the 8th President of Rotary Club of Awka Central, Rotarian Iruka Onyekachi Michael over the weekend in Awka, a colourful ceremony that attracted Rotary leaders including past district governors, Past Presidents of the club, friends and well-wishers.
At the ceremony, three persons got insured to receive one year free medical care under the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, worth N12,500 each while a student, Chukwuka Ifechukwu Precious got a one year scholarship, worth N40,000.
The ceremony which took place in Awka, also witnessed presentation of Vocational Excellence awards, Humanitarian Service Awards, Community Service Awards and a post humous award, to distinguished individuals for their contributions towards the growth of the club.
Notable among the awardees were Anambra State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, State Solicitor General, Barr Ngozi Iwuno, State NDLEA Commander, Muhammadu Idris and Dr Simeon Onyemaechi.
A post humous award was also presented to the immediate past Chief Medical Director of the State University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, Late Dr Basil Nwankwo.
The newly installed President, Rtn. Iruka in his inaugural speech, said the call of Rotary, is a call to serve humanity, adding that the focus of Rotary is make the world a better and safer place to live.
Iruka, who is a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers, praised the members for their efforts towards fighting against Polio.
Rtn Iruka, assured of his vision to continue to drive the efforts of the club in the areas of basic education and literacy scholarships, water and sanitation, maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention, and peace building and conflicts resolution.
“The Rotary Club is a club known for service to humanity. That is why we are doing a lot to better the lot of many especially the indigent in the society. I want to appreciate the efforts of past presidents of the club who set the stage for us to be here today and I promise to ride on your achievements, to continue to pursue greater accomplishments for this great club,” he said.
The immediate Past President of the Club, Rtn. Timothy Nwabunwanne, in his handover speech, expressed immense joy for the opportunity to serve humanity, noting that what Rotary Club of Awka Central has done will continue to resonate across the globe.
He described the new president, Rtn Iruka, as well-equipped to continue from where he stopped and propel the club forward.
Highlights of the ceremony were the presentation of cheques to some beneficiaries of the club’s one year fully-funded health insurance premium and fully funded one year scholarship to a female child, by the State Health Commissioner Prof Omenugha who commended the club for the gesture.
“It is my pleasure to be here to receive this award and also present the scholarship to the beneficiary. This is consistent with the vision of the Willie Obiano administration to provide quality and accessible education to all Anambra children irrespective of status. So, I want to commend the Rotary Club for this gesture and I hope other groups and clubs should emulate this gesture,” she said.
Prof Omenugha expressed the hope that the reign of Rtn Iruka will bring about better efforts at giving succor to the less privileged in the society.
