Henshaw NYONG
The writer of Proverbs 19:17 offered words that are both inspiring and soul-stirring. Read with me: “The one showing favour to the poor is lending to Jehovah, and He will repay him for what he does.”
This is one scripture that is rich in comfort and truth, reminding us that God delights in those who extend mercy to the weak and forgotten. And when a man chooses to lift the downtrodden, he mirrors the very compassion of God.
This truth found expression few weeks ago in Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, where Hon. (Barr.) Obong Ime Okon showed uncommon concern for the health of his people. For four days, Palmer Memorial Hospital, Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom and Primary Health Centre at Mbak Atai in Itu LGA were transformed into a place of hope as the lawmaker sponsored a free medical and surgical outreach that brought healing to more than 1,500 constituents. Elderly men and women, children, the physically challenged, and those who had lived with untreated ailments for years and decades found relief in an intervention that spoke louder than politics.
However, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs has touched lives in many ways, but one that will not be forgotten in a hurry is this medical outreach. As a matter of fact, it takes only a good man to think first about the health of his people, knowing that without life, no other pursuit matters. More than sixty surgeries were performed, thousands received life-saving drugs, eyeglasses were given, and many patients discharged who could not earlier offset their bills were sent home with joy. The scene was emotional. There were tears of gratitude from mothers, prayers of blessings from fathers, and songs of praise from families. If you ask me, this was not just about curing ailments, it was about restoring dignity and giving the poor another chance at life.
In a society where many struggle to afford a complete dose of Paracetamol and multivitamin capsules, not to talk about the most basic healthcare, Ime Okon’s gesture stood out as a reminder that leadership is about service. Constituents hailed him as a God-sent helper, and even medical professionals admitted the programme required huge sacrifice. Interestingly, they have also extended their appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for supporting one of their own and for promoting a governance style that puts people first. In their eyes, the outreach reflected both the compassion of their representative and the humane vision of the Governor’s ARISE Agenda. Together, both leaders are seen as working to restore hope and dignity to constituents that had almost given up.
Well, weeks may have passed since the outreach, but the impact remains fresh. In wards, villages and communities across Itu and Ibiono, sweet stories are still being told of how a lawmaker rose above politics and touched lives where it mattered most. That is the measure of true leadership and can only come from a leader who put his People’s health above politics.
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