Nkechinyere Ewa
The quiet community of Umuoghara in Ezza North, Ebonyi State, came alive as the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe, unveiled an ambitious educational empowerment and youth development programme aimed at transforming rural lives.
The event, which doubled as the official launch of the Dr. Divine Igwe Impact Foundation, drew political leaders, traditional rulers, technocrats, and community stakeholders. But beyond the celebration, Igwe used the platform to call for massive support for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s re-election in 2027, describing unity under the APC as “the compass that will guide Ebonyi’s continued progress.”
“We are replicating the governor’s good works in rural communities,” Igwe said. “In 2027, Ezza nation will vote APC from A to Z.”
At the heart of the event was the Foundation’s N3 million Educational Empowerment Scheme, which kicked off with 13 beneficiaries drawn from all wards in Ezza North. This was complemented by the launch of a N5 million inter-ward football tournament designed to harness youth talent while promoting peace and community bonding.
Speaking on the Foundation’s objectives, National Coordinator and development expert, Ibiam Azu Agwu, highlighted its pillars, healthcare access, education, mentorship, economic empowerment, community security, and agricultural support.
He disclosed that the Foundation, in partnership with EBSHIA, had already achieved significant milestones: enrolling over 5,000 children and 1,000 pregnant women into the state health insurance scheme, and sponsoring around 200 free surgeries, including eye operations, hernia, and fibroid repairs.
Commending Igwe’s “compassionate leadership,” the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Offia-Nwali, said the EBSHIA boss has taken healthcare to “every corner of the state at no cost to beneficiaries,” working closely with the governor and the First Lady.
Stakeholders including the Chairman of the Forum of CEOs of State Health Insurance Agencies in Nigeria, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi described Igwe as a “go-getter whose impact transcends public office.”
With its bold investments in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, the Divine Igwe Impact Foundation has positioned itself as a rising force in community development one that promises not only to uplift Ezza communities, but to shape the future of Ebonyi State for years to come.