By Bisi Bamishe
The Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) Health Committee has honoured the memories and contributions of late veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, and late health worker Mrs. Celestina Nkwute Igwe, during the Awba-Ofemili Health Awareness Campaign 2026.
The campaign, themed “Beyond Elu-Ulee (Buruli Ulcer): Building a Healthier Awba-Ofemili,” was held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Awba-Ofemili, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The committee observed a minute of silence in honour of the two deceased contributors to the community’s health and development efforts, acknowledging their service and support for initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the people.
Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online and former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 56. He served as GOCOP President from 2017 to 2021 and was among the association’s foundational members.
His death attracted tributes from across Nigeria, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who acknowledged his contributions to journalism, political reporting and the development of online publishing.
Oladipo had also supported the Awba-Ofemili Health Committee’s maiden Elu-Ulee (Buruli Ulcer) Awareness Campaign in 2025, including through fiscal and in-kind support, according to the committee chairman, Ogbuefi (Sir) Chinenyeze Remmy Nweke. .
The committee similarly remembered Mrs. Celestina Nkwute Igwe, a registered nurse midwife and health worker who served within the Awka North health system. She died on December 15, 2025, at the age of 58, after a brief illness.
Her family funeral announcement described her as a registered nurse midwife and recorded burial activities in March 2026. The committee recognised her contribution to community healthcare and her connection with the local health system.
Speaking on the remembrance, the Chairman of the ADU Health Committee, Ogbuefi (Sir) Chinenyeze Remmy Nweke, said the decision to honour both individuals reflected the committee’s appreciation for people who contributed to the health and development of Awba-Ofemili.
“We remember those who stood with us, supported our work and contributed to the well-being of our people. Their physical absence does not erase the impact of their service, kindness and commitment.”
He said the remembrance of Oladipo and Igwe was particularly significant because the 2026 campaign was designed to move beyond a single awareness event towards sustained community health education, early detection, preventive healthcare, First Aid, screening, counselling and referral.
The campaign featured health talks on Buruli ulcer and preventive healthcare, basic health screening, First Aid activities, community health insurance awareness, counselling and referral, as well as goodwill messages from health partners and community leaders.
The First Aid component also followed a recent training programme conducted by the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross in collaboration with the ADU Health Committee, involving 60 volunteers comprising 50 students and 10 teachers of Community Secondary School, Awba-Ofemili.
The committee said the First Aid initiative would be extended to other students and schools across Awba-Ofemili as part of its broader school-health and preventive healthcare programme.
The ADU Health Committee expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Red Cross, the Primary Health Centre Awba-Ofemili, health professionals, community leaders, schools, volunteers, development partners and supporters who contributed to the success of the 2026 campaign.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustained, community-led health programme focused on prevention, early detection, health education, First Aid, referral and access to basic healthcare services across Awba-Ofemili.
