“Our Plans for Anambra Communities”

Oliver Anyabolu, president, Anambra State Family Association, Oklahoma, United States of America

–Oliver Anyabolu, president, Anambra State Family Association, Oklahoma, United States of America
By Chidiebere Onyemaizu
You visited Anambra, your home state periodically from your base in America. Between your last visit and the current one, what differences have you noticed in the state?
I am very fortunate. I visit Nigeria on yearly basis. Whenever I am in Nigeria, I tried to visit rural areas, especially in Anambra state where I come from... because I have interest. I am a student, I am doing my dissertation on “Barriers To Childhood Immunisation in Rural Nigeria.” Because of that I go to rural areas to see what is happening and it is very painful what I saw in these areas. Most of the facilities are very very poor. They are not in good shape.
When you talk of facilities what do you mean?
When I talk of facilities, I mean health centres. Previous years when I went to the Health Centres, they were in bad shape. In Anambra, for example, I have been to Nkwelle Health Centre, I have been to Adazi Ani Health Centre, I have been to Mgbakwu Health Centre, I have been to Ofuma Health Centre. But this year... to be honest with you I thank Governor Peter Obi. Obi is doing a very good job. I am giving him A+ in this area because all these facilities I just mentioned I was surprised to see them in good shape.
So what you are saying in essence is that the last time you came they were terribly in bad shape?
Yes. They were in bad shape. For example the beds, the baby bed which they call colts, and also the adult beds, they were torn. The mattresses were worn out completely. You will see the iron bars. No fridges, they don’t have, nothing. Things were totally in badshape, from one facility to the other. But this year I went to each of the facilities, they were lots of beds – baby beds, adult beds, everything is in good shape. I am very impressed with what governor Obi is doing. I hope he will do more. But people should understand that our governments – federal, states and local governments - cannot do these things alone. The communities must participate as well as the NGOs, home and abroad. They must come in and help and make sure that facilities in their home communities are in good shape, and attractive to the patients.
Talking about communities abroad participating in nation building. You are based in the US. In what areas are Anambra indignenes there participating in the upliftment of the state back home?
To be candid, I am currently the President of Anambra State Family Association, Oklahoma and also the President of Adazi Ani Town Union, US/Canada. Our goal is to promote and equip the Health Centres in Anambra state. That is our goal. Now we are giving out generators to each community in Anambra state. In Adazi Ani, we gave out generators, stabilizers, fridges, television sets and also repaired light fixtures. In the near future, by next year, we have already planned that we are going to come in with medical supplies for different parts of Anambra state. I know it is going to take long, but it is our mission, it is our goal to make our communities suitable for human habitation in order to promote quality of life because our people are dying.
Before the distribution of generating sets, what are the areas your Association have helped the Anambra State Government to achieve its infrastructural aims for the state?
I remember that in 2005 we spent a total of $24,000 on medical supplies. We gave out various medical supplies to various communities in Anambra state. And also we have donated the $22,000 to ASA-US. Asa-US is the apex Anambra State body in the US. They visit Anambra State every year. They will be coming in August this year to treat people who are sick and give them medical supplies.
What really is your aim?
Our aim is to make a difference. We don’t get anything but to make a difference. According to the federal Ministry of Health in 2009, over 284,000 children die in Nigeria every year which translates to about 784 children dying every day. This is unacceptable in the 21st century. We cannot have our loved ones dying so that is why we feel for them. We are touched, we have big hearts. We really want to make sure that they grow up and become successful citizens. That is why we are doing all these.
Is your Association apolitical or inclined towards a political party?
We are not affiliated to any party. We have nothing to do with politics. Our aim is to come in here, visit the communities, focus on the health of the communities that is our goal.