… I’m proud to see an Alumnus of QAS practice what he was taught– Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese says
Vision and Faith of my Dad, (VIFADAD) a Non-Governmental Organization noted for judiciously utilizing its resources to better the lives of people through continuous giving back to the society, has created a niche in free medical services by taking up the burden of running an Infirmary in Abak.
Asides from the many free medical outreach previously organized to cater to the healthcare needs of people, VIFADAD Medical Mission moves a step further to refurbish and restock Medical supplies at the Infirmary of the Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong in Abak.
On Saturday February 24, 2024, while the Vifadad Medical team visited the school compound for the official handing over, it doubled as a day to welcome the School Proprietor, His Lordship, Most Rev. Camillus Umoh, Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese on his Pastoral visit/Cathedraticum.
During the handing over, done at the new infirmary, Bishop Umoh received the items donated with gratitude, prayed for speedy recovery for whoever would be treated in the infirmary and commended the Vifadad Medical team for their continuous support to the school, and the church community.
Bishop Umoh expressed a “sense of pride” for having one of the Alumni of the school putting into practice what he learnt from the Seminary—being charitable and responsive to needs of others, and expressed appreciation to VIFADAD, also noting that people do not need to be called upon before they can emulate good things.
Medical checkups, painting of infirmary and inside of St Dominic hostel, provision of some mattresses and bedding, and the promise to take up the monthly payment of nurses at the infirmary by VIFADAD, as some of the projects embarked the organization did not miss being mentioned by the Rector Magnificus of the Seminary, Very Rev Fr. John Ekanem during his official remarks.
Also speaking on the occasion, Rev Fr. Augustine Akpan, the parish priest of Afaha Obong said, “When I was here, these things were not here, we had a small infirmary that we get treatment or visited the hospital when there was no medicine, but now, it’s beautiful and wonderful that this is here, and more so, I’m told there is also a nurse here to attend to students.
“It is wonderful because this helps the students, Rector and even the parents because of the expenses that could have made, I’m most grateful to the donor— VIFADAD because these things are free, so they help the church, parents and the students themselves. I am happy and I appreciate. Thank you so much,” he said.
Dr Cyril Okon, Medical Director of VIFADAD, appreciated the Bishop for his spiritual coverage and the school management for affording them the opportunity to touch lives through them adding that asides rendering charitable services to people, Sir Mark Effiong (KoC), holds so dear to his heart the well-being of his Alma Mater and was only setting the ball rolling through the infirmary, promising improvements in subsequent projects.
Sir Mark Effiong (KoC), President and Founder of Vifadad Medical Mission, in his response virtually, noted that his motivation to take over the 100 percent running of the infirmary at QAS Abak, was borne out of the dream to see all Seminarians being exposed to good basic medical attention. He recounted that it was while on a free medical outreach in the school, November 2023 where over 600 persons benefited from, that VMM noticed the state of the infirmary as being under-equipped and decided to add it as part of the organization’s project after securing the full permission of school Rector.
“My motivation is that I believe that a Seminarian is meant to have access to the best basic medical care, because the infirmary is supposed to serve as a sick bay, a first point of contact for emergency care and health stabilization before deciding whether to seek further medical attention.
“As far as the sustainability of the infirmary is concerned, the infirmary is now part and parcel of Vifadad Medical Mission like every other program of the organization, there will be adequate resources both human and financial despite the fact that the Organization has been self-funded by me, the founder since 2020,” Sir Mark said.
Sir Mark added that it became also necessary to renovate the Saint Dominic’s Dormitory since it shares the same block with the infirmary, adding that a nurse has been placed the organization’s payroll asides the essential drugs, bedding, First Aid boxes and other items provided.
Samuel Mfon, and Abasiofon Edem students incharge of the infirmary and dormitory expressed joy and satisfaction with the new state of the school infirmary, adding that the items and medicines provided would go a long way to help the students in times of need.
Hon. Dennis Nyoro, an Old Boy and President of Class of 85 also expressed optimism that the school being known for high level of discipline and maintenance culture would maintain the facilities in the infirmary, also praying for healing to those who would be treated.
