UNA Donates N5 Million to Support Free Heart Surgery Initiative at Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital
…Prof. Obiora Okonkwo and football legend Kanu Nwankwo visit medical mission site championed by the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation
Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifite, Anambra State, witnessed a heartwarming visit on Monday, 13 May, as the Founder and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, led a high-profile delegation to the facility.
He was accompanied by former Super Eagles captain and global football icon, Kanu Nwankwo (popularly known as Papilo), in a show of support for the ongoing medical mission spearheaded by the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation.
Their arrival was warmly received by Sir Emeka Okwuosa, CON, Chairman of the Foundation and visionary founder of the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital, which has gained national acclaim for offering free cardiological surgeries to both children and adults.
These life-saving procedures are being conducted by a dedicated team of volunteer medical experts from the VOOM Foundation, USA, as part of a long-standing collaboration aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing cardiac health crisis.
Prof. Okonkwo’s visit was not only one of solidarity but also of active support. Commending Sir Emeka Okwuosa’s far-reaching humanitarian efforts and the transformative work being done through the hospital, Prof. Okonkwo announced a personal donation of N5 million to further bolster the free surgery initiative.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to advancing quality healthcare in Nigeria and affirmed that United Nigeria Airlines will continue to partner with the Foundation to ensure the success of the medical mission.
“As a responsible Nigerian company with strong values rooted in service to humanity, United Nigeria Airlines is proud to stand behind initiatives that save lives and restore hope. Our partnership with the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation is a testament to our shared vision for a healthier society,” Prof. Okonkwo stated.
He also noted that United Nigeria Airlines had already provided air transport for medical personnel involved in the mission, underscoring the airline’s dedication to its corporate social responsibility.
Football legend Kanu Nwankwo, whose own philanthropic efforts in the area of heart health are widely recognised through the Kanu Heart Foundation, expressed admiration for the ongoing work at the hospital.
His presence added symbolic weight to the visit, linking two generations of advocacy for accessible cardiac care.
In his response, Sir Emeka Okwuosa expressed profound appreciation to Prof. Okonkwo for the generous donation and continued partnership.
“This mission thrives on collaboration and goodwill. United Nigeria Airlines has played an essential role by ensuring the timely transportation of our health experts, which is critical to the success of these surgeries. We are deeply grateful for this enduring support,” he remarked.
The Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital continues to stand as a beacon of hope for patients across Nigeria and beyond, delivering life-saving procedures free of charge and reinforcing the power of visionary philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and compassionate leadership.
