By Simeon OSAJIE
In a bid to bring healthcare services to the downtrodden and less privileged in the society, a philanthropist, Health care practitioner and an advocate of women in politics, Doctor Mary Okuoimose has provided healthcare services to hundreds of Nigerians across the six geo-political regions in the country.
Dr. Okuoimose who stated this while speaking to journalists in Benin City, Edo State, emphasized that selfless service and genuine sacrifice should be the guiding principles of an individual or group of persons who intend to help people and should not be based on what they stand to benefit in the future.
The philanthropist and a diaspora healthcare guru said she picked interest in putting smiles on the faces of people as God has helped her to so do because she is so endeared to helping the poor in the society.
Dr. Okuoimose revealed that the gesture which started fifteen years ago to provide free healthcare services was far from the mainstream in Nigeria and cut across sectoral boundaries.
Dr. Mary Okuoimose who stepped in to pioneer a bold initiative of running free health clinics in states such as Edo, Lagos, and Ogun, explained that the vision was not about treating ailments; but also focused on restoring dignity, saving lives, and making quality healthcare accessible to those who could not afford it.
This singular but uncommon gesture of hers, has brought relief to countless families, especially in rural communities.
Narrating what could be the motivating factor, Dr. Mary Okuoimose said by virtue of her background and antecedents, putting smiles on the faces of the people with her scarce resources gives her joy.
Giving reasons why she decided to go into galvanizing and encouraging women to compete favourably in all sectors of the economy, especially in politics, the philanthropist said over the years, she discovered that he female folk are being marginalized, hence she decided to take the bull by the horn and start advocating for them, which according to her has started paying off as more women are appointed as Ministers, Commissioners, Chief Medical Directors in the Tinubu administration.
Dr. Mary Okuoimose said she decided to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu to the extent of promising to attract many votes of women to President Tinubu in 2027, because the administration has given women more chances to express themselves; there was the need to reciprocate the gesture.
In view of her tireless contributions, it is not only fitting but imperative that Dr. Mary Okuoimose be given a viable platform to expand her impact. Her track record of service, integrity, and proven results make her a national asset.