The hope of being made whole again has come to people living with disabilities, especially those struck with polio virus, the k and bow-legged and persons with deformities in their mouth in Delta State.
This is because, a rehabilitation centre that can take in over 30 patients is soon to be commissioned in Umunede, in Ika North East of the state.
The centre, affiliated to the missionary rehabilitation hospital in Gboko, Benue State, is coming on board as the Hope in God Foundation, the initiator of the project, marks its 10th anniversary of service to humanity in November this year.
According to the facilitator of the Foundation, Elder James Azubuike, not less than 45 deformed persons were restored physically after undergoing surgery at the NKST rehabilitation hospital Gboko.
Elder Azubuike, a farmer, whose four male children out of seven had one form of deformity orthe other, had a revelation in 2005 to take off the streets the physically challenged and care for them.
After pondering on the possibilities or otherwise of the revelation, he had no choice but to bow to the spirit of God which assured him that “with Him nothing shall be impossible” being a poor farmer notwithstanding.
Ten years on the journey, Elder Azubuike says the birth of the rehabilitation centre in Umunede was a gift from above as the burden of taking patients to Benue State will soon be a thing of the past.
”This centre, the first of its kind in this part of the country, is being affiliated to the rehabilitation hospital in Benue.
“This is because taking patients to Benue was causing me more stress and money. It will interest you to know that since 2006, taking people to Benue has cost me over N 15million without any assistance. People came to my aid when payment of bills for people I took to Gboko became a problem.
“One of such experiences was when an unknown friend came to the hospital in Gboko and paid N2.5million when two of my patients were stranded.
Azubuike, however, listed some persons who at one time or the other lifted the hands of the foundation to include Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as a Senator, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Sam Obi, Bishop Augustine Iweriedor, Lady Osunde of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, his brother, Alex Azubuike, Dr Kifa of Kifa Hospital, Umunede, Steven Ibite and the Odaze of Idumuesa, Mrs Aigbogwo, among others.