By: Ike Philip Abiagom- Newsbreeze
The ancient town of Ibusa (Igbuzo) came alive with excitement and gratitude as residents benefited from a remarkable three-day community development programme organised by the Association of Ibusa Professional Women (AIPROW) in collaboration with the Ibusa Association USA, Inc., from October 1 to 3, 2026.
The initiative, which combined free medical services, mental health awareness, career mentoring, and support for persons with disabilities, drew widespread participation from residents across the community.
Speaking during the event, President of AIPROW, Barr. Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, Managing Partner of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, said the association was established in 2012 with the vision of contributing meaningfully to the development and well-being of Ibusa people.
According to her, more than 48 medical professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, psychologists, and laboratory technicians, volunteered their expertise for the outreach, which provided free healthcare services to hundreds of residents.
She noted that while government continues to play a vital role in community development, there remains a need for citizens and organisations to complement such efforts through meaningful interventions.
Since government cannot meet all the needs of the people, we have taken it upon ourselves to contribute our quota to the development of our community. These interventions are our way of giving back to society and nurturing future leaders,” she said.
Mrs. Idigbe explained that the programme featured three days of free medical screening and consultations, alongside mental health seminars for secondary school students across Ibusa.
As part of the programme, students from various secondary schools participated in a comprehensive mentoring session held at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Event Centre. The sessions focused on leadership, personal development, career opportunities, and responsible decision-making.
She disclosed that AIPROW remains committed to improving lives within the community and revealed that, aside from support received from the Ibusa Association USA, Inc., the association’s activities are funded largely by its members, a few friends, and supportive spouses.
The AIPROW President paid glowing tribute to the association’s Founder and President Emeritus, Prof. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Utomi, describing her as the visionary behind the organisation and its flagship free medical outreach programme.
She said Prof. Utomi’s commitment to reducing the burden of healthcare costs on vulnerable residents has continued to inspire the association’s humanitarian efforts.
Mrs. Idigbe expressed confidence that the noble legacy established by the founder would continue to impact generations of Ibusa people for years to come.
In her remarks, the President of the Ibusa Association USA, Inc. commended AIPROW for its unwavering commitment to addressing critical health and social challenges within the community. She urged the association to sustain the programme and encouraged women in other communities across Delta State to emulate the example set by the Ibusa Professional Women.
The programme commenced with a mental health seminar at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Hall, where a team of resources personels and psychologists led by Mrs. Ijeoma Nwanze, educated participants on mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and psychotherapy screening.
The seminar also featured interactive discussions on the theme, “Limitless Boundaries: Empowering the Next Generation.”
As part of the Day One activities, students participated in career talks and motivational sessions aimed at inspiring academic excellence and preparing them for future opportunities.
Topics discussed included human trafficking and online safety, artificial intelligence and emerging opportunities, drug abuse prevention, and mentoring for the girl-child.
Mrs. Ijeoma Nwanze, Secretary of the Delta State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking, delivered a presentation on protecting young people from internet scams and traffickers.
Other facilitators included Engr. Prince Adigwe, who spoke on the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence; Mrs. Felicitas Nwaobi Esq., who addressed the dangers of drug abuse; and Ms. Ifeoma Iloba Esq., who led discussions on career development and mentoring.
More than 800 students reportedly participated in the career and mentoring sessions.
In a special outreach segment dedicated to persons with disabilities led by Comrade Victor Dike, participants were encouraged to break barriers and pursue their aspirations despite physical challenges.
Delivering a lecture titled “Limitless Boundaries,” Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice and Immediate Past Chairperson of the Lawyers with Disability Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ms. Pat Etumudon, urged persons living with disabilities to remain resilient and confident in their abilities.
In a touching demonstration of compassion and inclusion, AIPROW distributed wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other support materials to visually impaired and physically challenged individuals.
The event, which was anchored by Mr. Emma Kwasa Amatokwu, was widely praised by community leaders and residents as a model of grassroots development, social responsibility, and women-led community service.
Many beneficiaries described the programme as life-changing and commended both AIPROW and the Ibusa Association USA, Inc.
 for their dedication to improving healthcare, education, and social welfare in Ibusa.
The three-day outreach further reinforced the role of community-based organisations in advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life for vulnerable members of society.