Lifebridge Medical Diagnostic Center at 10

Chike Okeke

lifebridge Medical Diagnostic Center, Abuja, founded by Senator Godson Ikechukwu Abana celebrated its 10th year last weekend. In his welcome address, the Medical Director of the center Dr. Godwin Tawe disclosed that the center is the first privately owned diagnostic center to have a 1.5T-MRI machine and also the first to receive ISO Certification by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria in Abuja.

“This indicates that results from the center meet acceptable standards worldwide,” said Tawe.

He announced that the center has also set up a Covid-19 PCR laboratory with NCDC accreditation which has also given the center a worldwide outlook, and that the center also has a branch in Enugu which is doing well. He further stated that the center has a very good story to tell in its 10years of existence for instance, the laboratory started from a few rooms to a suite harboring the various units – chemical pathology, haemathology, micro-biology, histopathology and molecular biology.

The Chairman of the occasion Dr. Nkem Okeke, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, commended Abana for his numerous acts of philanthropy and noted that his enterprises in the country are not necessarily aimed at making money but to assist humanity. He stated happily that he sent his daughter to have her internship experience at the facility because of its high quality and standards.

Prizes of large screen television sets and deep freezer were given to some staff who served the center with commitment and dedication in the past 10years. They include; Mrs Geraldine Chinaka, the oldest staff of the center and head of Accounts Department who was given awards of television set, deep freezer and cash, Mrs Anthonia Nwawulu, head of human resources department, Mr. Peter Yenger of accounts department, Moses Affiku of Maintenance, Monica Simon, Suleiman Abubakar both of janitor and the Chief Driver, Mr. Uchebede Usuagwu.

In their brief remarks, the Ume brothers from Obodoukwu in Imo State, Chief Barr. Obidi Ume (Ugonnia) and Chief Ethel Ume (Ijele) congratulated Abana for his vision in establishing the Diagnostic Center and the success it achieved in the past 10 years.

Some personalities at the occasion include former Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Geidam; Retired AVM Anene Okafor and Senator Tony Nwoye. Others were Chief Dennis Anekwe, Engr. Obi Anaduaka, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, Chief Emma Okafor, Chief Marc Ozigbo all members of Igwe’s Cabinet in Enugwu Ukwu.

The event was held at GAAT International School, Abuja, another edifice owned by Abana.

Senator Abana who represented Anambra State Central between 2003 and 2005 is a man of many parts – international businessman, contractor, politician, community leader and most importantly a philanthropist per excellence. A native of Enugwu Ukwu in Anambra State, he was educated at Government College, Afikpo and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he graduated in Business Administration. He later acquired a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has over the years been involved in activities aimed at improving human kind.

In his Enugwu Ukwu community, he established the Senator I.G Abana Foundation (SIGAF) which have been awarding secondary and university scholarships to hundreds of students in the past 14years. He also owns GAAT International School, Abuja.

According to Abana, his vision in establishing the diagnostic center is to bridge the gap in medical diagnostic and reduce medical tourism abroad by Nigerians, thereby saving the country foreign exchange. He also envisages that his intervention will be one of the best stand-alone diagnostic centers in Nigeria with a global focus.