60 Years Strong: St. Charles Borromeo Hospital CEO Salutes Partners at Diamond Jubilee

By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, Anambra State, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Izunna Okonkwo, has expressed profound gratitude to partners, benefactors, and individuals who supported the hospital during its recent 60th Diamond Jubilee celebration.
The jubilee celebration, which took place at the hospital premises, commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke.
He was joined by several priests who graced the occasion.
In his appreciation remarks, Fr. Okonkwo specially thanked the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty, Pharm. Alex Onyido (Ezechuamagha I), for his generosity in donating a live cow for the celebration.
He noted that the cow provided by the monarch was sufficient to cater for all the cooking needs of the event. Although the royal father was not physically present, he was duly represented.
Fr. Okonkwo also eulogised the traditional ruler of Oraukwu, Idemili North Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Onuora Emeka, whom he described as a dependable partner of the hospital.
The clergy further expressed deep appreciation to United Nigeria Airlines, noting that the company has continued to render significant support to the hospital.
He specifically thanked the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of the airline, Mazi Engr. Osita Okonkwo, who represented the founder and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR.
According to Fr. Okonkwo, United Nigeria Airlines has consistently supported the hospital through financial assistance, material contributions, and technical support.
Among other notable supporters, he acknowledged Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Gbuzue, who, according to him, pleasantly surprised the hospital with substantial financial support and his physical presence at the event.
He also extended gratitude to senior priests, including Very Rev. Monsignor Hypolite Adigwe, whom he described as the oldest priest in the Nnewi Diocese and a former Chairman of the hospital’s Governing Board.
The CEO specifically appreciated the oldest priest in the Onitsha Archdiocese by ordination, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Damian Akpunonu, who is scheduled to mark his 60th priestly ordination on January 10, 2026. He described Fr. Akpunonu as one of the hospital’s key supporters and ambassadors, noting his consistent encouragement and strong confidence in the hospital’s healthcare services.
Fr. Okonkwo also acknowledged the Reverend Sisters who initially managed the hospital’s administration, particularly the Holy Rosary Sisters Congregation. Other congregations of Reverend Sisters represented at the event included the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, Daughters of Divine Love, and the Benedictine Monastery, Umuoji.
Priests of the Holy Ghost Congregation, who represented their Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Nwosu, were also appreciated. Similarly acknowledged were members of the Holy Family Congregation, representing their Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Ezikwelu, as well as members of the Redemptorist Congregation.
Fondly known as Eze Udo, Fr. Okonkwo further thanked the first indigenous proprietor of the hospital, His Eminence, Cardinal Francis Arinze, who was represented by his Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Ezeugo.
Other dignitaries acknowledged included Dr. Kevin Chimaobi, CEO of Apams Limited; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Sly Ezeokenwa; politicians and representatives of the Anambra State Government; corporate partners of the hospital; members of the hospital’s Governing Board; Dr. J. C. Okafor; and members of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, led by Rev. Sr. Moreen Akabuogu.
Fr. Okonkwo also lauded the Coordinator of Healthcare Services in the Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Ekwunife; the Secretaries to Archbishop Okeke; and medical doctors from within and outside Anambra State who honoured the invitation.
In his concluding remarks, the CEO expressed appreciation to the Chief Executive Officers of hospitals within the Onitsha Archdiocese, including Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital and Maternity, Onitsha; St. Martin’s Hospital, Ugwuagba Obosi; Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Awka-Etiti; Immaculate Heart Hospital, Umudioka; and others.
Also present was a representative of Very Rev. Fr. Innocent Affusim, CEO of Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital, Awka.