By Elijah Ugani
The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has commissioned an ultramodern Outpatient Department OPD, at the Sacred Heart Hospital Obudu, constructed by POMA Adie Foundation.
The commissioning which took place on Wednesday 22nd October 2025, at the hospital premises, had the Executive Secretary, Ogoja Catholic Diocesan Medical Board, Very Rev Fr JoeMacus Ogan, Rev Fr Joseph Afu and other priests and dignitaries in attendance.
Speaking during the commissioning, Bishop Akpan commended the goodwill of Mr Emmanuel Adie, who through his foundation complemented the efforts of the church to cater for the health needs of the people.
The Bishop noted that “There are people out there who have more than what Emmanuel has, but he has decided to support the health needs of his people through this project. I want to call on others to copy from him to ensure that our people get the support they need to leave a fulfilled life.”
On his part, the Hospital Administrator, Rev Fr Bernard Anake, thanked the donor of the OPD, Mr Emmanuel Adie for coming to the aid of the hospital and used the opportunity to call on other spirited individuals and organizations to consider supporting the hospital to provide for the health needs of the people. He also acknowledged the fatherly counsel of the Bishop and support to deliver quality healthcare.
He commended the staff of the hospital, the medical doctors, nurses, and other staff for their relentlessly efforts to attend to the needs of the patients.
He finally commended the patience of the patients throughout the period of seeking medical attention in the hospital.
When contacted, the Hospital Administrator, told TheLumineNews that “When I conceptualised the remodeling of the hospital, Rev Fr Prof Julius Agba Ada, was handy to facilitate this project and I’m happy we have reached the final and it had been commissioned to the glory of God and service of humanity”.
The Hospital Secretary, Mr Mcmary Thomas Agabi, welcomed guests and noted that “Since the establishment of the hospital in 1953, the hospital has experienced a transitional factory and other challenges that has not deterred the catholic mission from using this medium to enhance health and sustain life. Out efforts are geared towards the confidentiality and comfortability of our patients and the provision of a diversional therapy which culminate in achieving our desired goal.
Dreams have been conceived within this premises, culminated upon, and brought to tangible reality and one of which is been commissioned today. The dreams are not entirely without assistance from individuals within and outside this neighborhood. In the wake of 2024, things began to take shape and with the help Mr Emmanuel Adie, CEO of POMA Adie Foundation, and with the fatherly and professional guidance of His Excellency, the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, what started as a trip of sand in June 24, 2024, loom before us today, an ultramodern OPD that will carter for patients’ health in all ramifications.
“We also appreciate the efforts of Rev Fr Prof Julius Ada, who stood as a link between the donor and the hospital.”
Speaking during the commissioning, Representative of POMA Adie Foundation, Mr Moses Ugbe, commended the Bishop and the hospital management for the judicious use of the fund provided for the reconstruction and remodeling of the facilities to meet the health needs of the people.
He noted that “As a foundation, the health needs of the people is sacrosanct and we want our people to access quality healthcare that is why we graciously intervened to ensure adequate healthcare services are available and timely. POMA Adie Foundation will continue to intervene in areas that will serve and benefit humanity”.
When contacted, the elated Rev Fr Prof Julius Agba Ada, noted that “I am so delighted about the project being accomplished in accordance with the donor’s intention, the Bishop’s expectation and the Hospital necessities.
“Emma, my younger brother and cousin, asked me what he should do to impact humanity. My decision to advise my cousin, Mr. Emmanuel Adie, to focus on the health sector is based on my previous roles:
Secretary to the late Archbishop J. E. Ukpo (1997‑2002), Executive Secretary, Ogoja Diocesan Medical Board, where I oversaw the diocesan hospitals – Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu; RCM Hospital, Moniaya, Ogoja; Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, etc.
“In that role, I helped the Bishop take over and manage these medical institutions. My zeal for improving health services inspired my advice to my brother, and I’m glad to see this come to fruition.”
Other projects undertaken by POMA Adie Foundation in the hospital includes, renovation (Re-roofing, tiling, and painting) of laboratory, pharmacy, Casualty, Observation and record units, as building of a four unit VIP toilet.
