Asagba Azinge Urges St. Luke Specialist Hospital To Deepen Community Healthcare Outreach
By NWAFOR AZINGE
Asagba Receives St Luke Hospital Management
HIS Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMIC, LLD (HC), KSJI, KSG, has urged St Luke Specialist Hospital, Asaba, to strengthen its relationship with the Asaba community through sustained healthcare outreach programmes.
The Asagba made the call when the Chief Medical Director of St. Luke Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ambrose Awogu, led members of the hospital’s management team on a courtesy visit to the monarch ahead of his second coronation anniversary.
The visit, held on 25 September 2026, also provided an opportunity for the hospital management to congratulate the Asagba on the anniversary and commend his contributions to the development of Asaba Kingdom since his ascension to the throne.
The monarch warmly received the delegation and thanked Dr. Awogu and his team for their goodwill. He also congratulated the CMD on his recent appointment and acknowledged the efforts he has made since assuming office.
Monarch Recalls Hospital’s Founding Legacy
Asagba Azinge described St. Luke Specialist Hospital as an institution particularly close to the hearts of many people in Asaba because of the legacy of its late proprietor, Chief Uche Okpunor.
Recalling his relationship with the late businessman, the monarch said he shared in Chief Okpunor’s vision when the hospital was established.
He particularly highlighted the hospital’s introduction of free delivery services for married pregnant women, describing the initiative as a laudable contribution to maternal healthcare.
According to the monarch, the initiative later influenced similar efforts by Asaba Specialist Hospital.
Asagba Azinge further commended St. Luke Specialist Hospital for maintaining what he described as a centre of excellence through the quality of its personnel and medical facilities.
Call for Stronger Community Engagement
While praising the hospital’s achievements, the monarch challenged its management to build a stronger connection with the wider Asaba community.
He called for a more robust corporate social responsibility programme that would directly address the healthcare needs of residents.
In particular, he encouraged the hospital to organise periodic medical outreaches for people in the community.
The Asagba said such initiatives would not only improve access to healthcare but would also strengthen the bond between the institution and the community in which it operates.
He noted that the late Chief Okpunor, whom he described as deeply committed to Asaba, would have appreciated efforts aimed at giving back to the community.
Asagba Raises Concern Over Cancer Care
The monarch also expressed concern that Asaba, despite being the capital of Delta State, still lacks a dedicated cancer centre.
He described the situation as an important gap in the city’s healthcare infrastructure and disclosed that he had been engaging Asaba indigenes in the diaspora on ways to strengthen healthcare delivery in the community.
According to him, some of those living outside the country have expressed commitment to supporting initiatives designed to improve healthcare facilities and services in Asaba.
The discussions, he indicated, form part of broader efforts to encourage Asaba sons and daughters to contribute to the development of their ancestral community.
Three Projects for Coronation Anniversary
Asagba Azinge also disclosed that three major projects would be commissioned as part of activities marking his second coronation anniversary.
The projects include the beautification of the Kainebisi Roundabout, sponsored by Providus Bank PLC; the Asaba Community Smart School at Obiajé Satellite Town; and the renovation of the historic Ogbeke Square, also known as the Ancient Market.
He said the renovation of Ogbeke Square was fully sponsored by the Asaba community.
The projects, he explained, form part of efforts to improve public spaces, education and community heritage in Asaba.
Hospital Management Commends Monarch
Earlier, Dr. Awogu thanked the Asagba for receiving him and members of his management team.
He commended the monarch for the developmental initiatives attracted to Asaba during the two years of his reign.
Dr. Awogu said the hospital management visited primarily to congratulate the Asagba on his forthcoming second coronation anniversary and acknowledge what he described as the development recorded in the kingdom under his leadership.
According to the CMD, Asaba was fortunate to have a monarch who prioritised the interests and wellbeing of his people.
He wished Asagba Azinge a long and peaceful reign in good health.
The Asagba, in turn, applauded Dr. Awogu and his management team, prayed for their success and expressed his readiness to explore future collaborations with the hospital.
