By: Princess Don, Uyo.
In a heartwarming show of compassion and philanthropy, Mr. and Mrs. Ekemini Donatus marked their 2025 birthdays by celebrating with patients at the Family Life Centre/VVF Hospital, Mbribit Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The couple, whose birthdays fall on July 15 and 17 respectively, visited the hospital as part of activities to celebrate their special days, supporting women undergoing treatment for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and Recto-Vaginal Fistula (RVF), and newborn mothers and babies in need.
Addressing staff and patients during the visit, Mr. Donatus, Chairman of DeTess Integrated Services Ng., expressed deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness, saying the idea to celebrate at the hospital came as a divine vision.
“This is not just a birthday celebration, but an opportunity to touch lives and give back to those who truly need love and support,” he said.
His wife, Mrs. Theresa Donatus, CEO of the same company, and The Daily Times Correspondent, Akwa Ibom state, revealed that the inspiration for the celebration was born in April 2025 after a visit to the hospital with the Women In Diaspora (WINAD) group.
Mrs Donatus, who is also the Community Manager, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria -Akwa Ibom state Network, commended the hospital administration for its dedication to the welfare of marginalized women and children, emphasizing that support should be directed toward institutions and individuals with real need rather than already-established government agencies.
The highlight of the celebration included the donation of essential items such as wrappers, sanitary pads, tissue rolls, baby wipes, bathing soap, drinks, clothing, wallets, and a birthday cake, bringing joy to both staff and patients.
In her response, the hospital matron, Rev. Sister, Dr. Maria Mark Obotamah thanked the Donatus family for their thoughtful gesture, noting that their visit was symbolic and divinely inspired.
She offered prayers for their continued prosperity and shared a brief history of the hospital.
According to her, the centre was established in the early 1980s by the late Sister Ann Ward, who, moved by the plight of women with VVF/RVF conditions, spearheaded the creation of the facility with the support of the then Bishop of Uyo and international collaborators.
Dr. Mark disclosed that the hospital currently operates with just one doctor and a staff strength of 94, including volunteers and contract workers.
Also speaking, Rev. Sister Rosemary Akpa, disclosed that the centre is set to conduct another free surgery this month, as scheduled to commence on July 28, 2025.
All services, including surgery, medication, accommodation, feeding, and transport are provided at no cost to the patients by the hospital. Said surgical procedures are done four times annually,
Despite its remarkable work, the hospital continues to face significant challenges, including poor access roads, emotional trauma among abandoned women and children, a lack of medical personnel, insecurity, and inadequate staff retention.
Ward One nurse, Mrs. Victoria Nta, and patient representative Miss Gift Bassey, on behalf of patients, expressed their joy and appreciation to the Donatus family. They prayed for God’s blessings on the celebrants, thanking them for choosing to share their special moments with them.
The celebration not only brought smiles to faces but also highlighted the power of giving, especially in underserved communities, reminding all of the true essence of birthdays, the gratitude, connection, and service to humanity.