By Franklin Alli

AWKA-based Mike Susan Foundation has pledged to sustain its humanitarian services to the less privileged in the society.

The Foundation is renowned for organising free medical screening for blood pressure and hypertension, free drugs and food as part of its philanthropic gestures to the people.

Mr. Chike Odumodu, the executive director of the Foundation, gave the assurance at an outreach programme organised by the Foundation in Amawbia, Awka, during the festive season.

He said the gesture was inspired by their parents – Mike and Susan – after whom the foundation was named, to assist the less privileged, especially widows and other underprivileged in the society.

He said they lived a philosophy of extending the milk of human kindness to others in the society, promising that the children had revolved to sustain the ideal.

“What we have been doing emanated from their thoughts; their convictions that people, no matter how highly or lowly placed should not live for themselves alone.

Through this foundation, we saying, one does not have to own the entire town to be able to give. And that life becomes more meaningful when we are able to extend our goodness and hands of fellowship to other.

So, for us their children, hosting people like we have been doing under the humanitarian umbrella is fulfilling a cherished dream. In making available an opportunity for people to know their health statuses, in whatever way we can, is a privilege and we do not take it for granted,” he said.

Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, the Chairman of the Foundation, said there is need indeed for non-state actors to help towards ensuring adequate healthcare and welfare of people since government alone cannot do it all.

“Our engagement is as well to motivate and encourage other non-governmental bodies to equally show concern and get deeply involved in addressing the human condition”.

At the programme, a deaf and dumb girl was among other beneficiaries who went home with free household gifts such as electric generating set, Samsung refrigerator; colour television set and rechargeable lanterns.

In her solidarity message, erstwhile Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili congratulated the family for the gesture observing that despite not being the only wealthy family in the town, that yet it decided to be of assistance to the underprivileged in the town.

She emphasized the importance of proper diagnoses which the foundation was doing, describing it as an important step towards administering the right treatment.

Professor Akunyili who was represented at the event by Pastor Nkiru Emeka Iloanya , also urged the foundation to continue the good works it was doing, and also prayed for God’s support to ensuring the gesture remains.