By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola Ibadan, has said that the work of healthcare practitioners required sacrifice, dedication and untiring service.
Eseola made the remarks while delivering a sermon at a service to mark the 70th Anniversary of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Ibadan, on Thursday.
Eseola, the Secretary to the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, urged healthcare workers to embrace their work with compassion, in spite of all odds.
He noted that the healthcare system in Nigeria faced structural challenges such as high cost of equipment and medication, limited resources among others.
“The present workers are labouring at a time when life and things are more difficult, but despite all these, see your ministry and work as one drawn from the compassion Christ showed the sick while on earth.
“Serve with gentleness, humility and deep compassion; surrender your all to Christ and when the burden is heavy, always remember it’s carried by Him,” he said.
Eseola thanked God for sustaining the hospital through 70 years of excellence in healthcare delivery.
“We also thank all whose vision and hard labour founded and nurtured the hospital. It started like a small maternity ward and has today become a great place.
“I’m privileged to be born here and so several others. Let all gathered here today contribute their quota to the work here and sustain the excellent legacy left behind,” he said.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Francis Sanwo, appealed to well spirited Nigerians to assist the hospital financially to improve healthcare delivery.
“While we thank God for this great milestone today and continue to do our best, we need help to acquire necessary machines for radiology and CT scan.
“We also need government’s assistance and welcome advices and supports from the public for efficient service delivery and patients’ comfort.
“There is need to improve the facilities in this place to make more progress ,” Sanwo said.
The hospital’s Provincial Leader, Rev. Sr. Josephine Enenmo, said for seven decades, the hospital stood as a sacred ground where human suffering meets compassionate care.
She said the hospital stood where professionalism was illuminated by Faith and the dignity of each person was honoured with reverence.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of years, but that of the countless healings that took place on the grounds.
“We celebrate all pioneer staff and all who worked in the hospital till date.
“Through your work and commitment, the charism of our congregation continues to come alive, witnessing to Christ the Divine Healer,” she said.
Highlights of the event were Yoruba and Igbo cultural performances, cutting of the anniversary cake, fund raising, among others. (NAN)
Post a Comment