I write on behalf of the Management Board of Chijioke Osogho Memorial Methodist Hospital, Board of Trustees of Owani Professionals Foundation, Hon. Ndukwe Ojukwu Foundation, and Item Traditional Rulers Council, to acknowledge and express their deep appreciation to Association of Rural Surgical Practitioners of Nigeria (ARSPON), for the wonderful, humanitarian, free surgical services rendered in Item, Abia State, from 22-28 January, 2012.
We are particularly grateful to God and to you because, out of the nearly two hundred cases operated on, no casualty, or serious complication was recorded. It is even more astonishing to note that none of the patients received blood transfusion! Ninety eight per cent of the patients were discharged within the first four days. As I write, all the patients have since returned home with gratitude to the Almighty God and to ARSPON, even with smiles and new songs in their mouths.
The Traditional rulers, elders, titled men and women, the Bishop of Item Diocese of Methodist Church Nigeria and other stakeholders are particularly grateful to the Executive members of ARSPON, especially, the indefatigable and workaholic President, Dr. A.C. Sagua, the Secretary General, Dr. J. Afuka and the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Darlington for providing a purposeful and dynamic leadership by example to the very humble, very obedient and benevolent other Rural Surgeons. We appreciate you all. May God open the windows and doors of Heaven unto you all such that His abundant blessing will never cease in your lives and your loved ones!!!
Another veteran Rural Surgeon, who strongly desired and indeed, struggled to be there, but who painfully missed the show is Dr. Oluyombo Awojobi. Dr. Awojobi was already at the airport en route Owerri when an urgent call came, informing him of the unfortunate incident of swapping of corpses in his Awojobi Clinic Eruwa. We sympathise with you Sir. We know you were there in spirit. May God bless you too.
Finally, I am pleased to inform you that the Hospital's Management Board has already approved a two- week intensive surgical course for Dr Binuga, who is the NYSC doctor that worked with the surgical team during the mission. ARSPON has ignited a burning interest in Rural Surgery in him and his training will start from Monday, 13th February, 2012 at Awojobi Clinic Eruwa.

Please continue to keep in touch. Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!!
Yours in the Service of Humanity.
Sir, Professor Mba O. Okoronkwo, OON
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, National Open University of Nigeria
Chairman, COMMH Management Board,Chairman, Board of Trustees, Owani Professionals Foundation