From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu, HRH, Igwe Samuel Asadu, has showered love and support on Dr Bonarichard Nnanyelugo, the newly inducted medical graduate to the medical profession.
Nnanyelugo was among the medical graduates inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) on June 17.
Speaking with newsmen in Nsukka on Monday, Igwe Asadu said that he decided to support Nnanyelugo to encourage young people to remain focused and determined in achieving their life dream.
He noted that it was because of determination and zeal that made the new doctor spent 27 years in higher institutions to achieve his ambition of becoming a medical doctor despite challenges and obstacles.
“After listening to the story of how he spent 27 years in the university to become a medical doctor which has been his dream, I felt touched that this young man remained focused in the face of challenges he encountered all this while.
“What am doing today is to support him as well as to encourage other young ones to remain resolute in pursuing their dream irrespective of the Challenges they encountered.
“I gave him N100,000 to help him entertain his guests during his induction ceremony, and during his Thanksgiving ceremony last Sunday at St. Pual Catholic Church, Edem-Ani I surprised him when I announced that I will give him a brand new car and maintain the vehicle for 1-year,” he said.
Speaking further, the Monarch said that the 27-year ordeal of Nnanyelugo in higher Institutes just to become a medical doctor is not a mere achievement, adding that such a frustrating situation is capable of discouraging one from achieving his or her dream.
“I called on the well-to-do individual in our community and elsewhere to always identify and support people who have lofty dreams like Nnanyelugo to enable them to actualize their goals,” he said.
Speaking, Nnanyelugo said that he decided to go for thanksgiving immediately after his induction to appreciate God who despite ups and down made it possible for him today to become a medical doctor.
According to Nnanyelugo, his journey to becoming a medical doctor started in 1996 when he got admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study physiotherapy.
“In my second year in UNN, I wrote another JAMB exam and got admitted in Medicine and Surgery, however, I had academic problems along the line and was taking back to study Biochemistry.
“While in my final year in Biochemistry, I was not satisfied with myself, I wrote JAMB again, and this time I got admission to UNIZIK to study medicine again.
“My 27 years ordeal in higher institutions was mainly because of my inability to meet up with academic standards and other requirements, coupled with that I am an orphan who depends on people for help, if not medical student stays six years to graduate,” he said.
The 41-year-old father of two said further that the traditional ruler of his community (Igwe Asadu) has given him a surprise he will never forget in life and prayed to God to reward him abundantly.
“On the eve of my induction, Igwe Asadu gave me N100,000 to entertain my guests, as if that was not enough on Thanksgiving day he came with his full cabinet members to the church and announce before the congregation that he would buy me a brand new car with and will maintain it for 1 year free of charge.
“I am overwhelmed and yet to recover from the support and show of love from the traditional ruler from me,” he said.
Our reporter gathered that the monarch who is a philanthropist had built and equipped a multimillion naira-free hospital in the community, build a food bank in his palace where over 200 indigent members of the community eat for free daily, as well sponsored five indigenes of the community who made first class and second class upper to abroad to further their Master’s Degree, among others.
