Medical Doctor Recounts How Orji Uzor Kalu As Governor Reintegrated Sick Patients Through His Uncommon Approach

Dr Olu Akin, a Lagos-born medical practitioner, has recounted his experience with former Abia state governor, Orji Uzor Kalu in 1999 during his pastoral work at Amaudo Itumbauzo in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. Kalu, who served as Abia State Governor from 1999—2007 is credited to have built health centres, 16 general hospitals, Abia State University Teaching Hospital and many more during his time as governor.

Dr Akin, in a post on his social media, said: “I can attest to Senator OUK (Orji Uzor Kalu) in his performance as governor and the best so far. The administration of the incumbent is still new to judge so he is still the best Abia has ever produced. “In 1999, I did my pastoral work in Amaudo Itumbauzo in a mental home managed by one Roseline Cowill a Methodist. “The practice was that we go to the street to get all mentally ill, and Roseline Cowill takes care of them in partnership with the government of Abia state under the leader OUK (Orji Uzor Kalu). After the recovery, the Abia state government practised absorbing them into the state civil service.   The initiative was uncommon then, and to date still new to many governors in various states of the nation. In his government, he demonstrated that most people in Nigeria are mentally sick in the streets and can be made productive.