Ahead of the annual World Heart Day, 29th September, the founder and members of the Kanu Heart Foundation on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and intimated him of the foundation’s intended Fitness Walk in the Coal city in commemoration of year 2022 World Heart Day.
Kanu Nwankwo popularly known as Papilo, a former professional footballer and Olympic gold medalist revealed that Enugu State was chosen as venue for the event in the South-East geopolitical zone because of her peaceful environs.
Nwankwo disclosed that in addition to the fitness walk, the foundation will also organize a free medical care for same day.
He further disclosed, “Since establishment of Kanu Heart Foundation in year 2000, we have carried out 600 open heart surgeries; 200 patients are currently on the waiting list.”
“Thus far, 150 indigenes of Enugu State are beneficiaries of the foundation’s heart surgeries while 45 are on the waiting list.”
The Kanu Heart Foundation founder stated that he embarked on the life-saving humanitarian programme in gratitude to God Almighty who spared his life from heart-related ailment; “I am a symbol of hope and I believe that you out there will learn from me and that is why I am doing what I am doing.”
Earlier, Kanu Nwankwo’s Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd, Engr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, explained that the fitness walk is to create awareness about heart-related ailments, prevention, early detection and treatment.
Millions of persons die from heart disease and to curb this, the World Heart Federation created World Heart Day, an event held every year on September 29.
“Raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) — its warning signs, the steps one can take to fight it, and how to help those around us who may be suffering CVD is vital in fighting this disease; so on September 29, fight CVD by getting involved with a World Heart Day event near you.”
Responding to the team’s speech, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the selfless humanitarian gesture exhibited by the football legend and team.
Ugwuanyi assured them of his administration’s support and commitment to the success of the event, and prayed that God will continue to be with him in this life changing endeavor.
Present at the occasion are Chief Vita Abba, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in 2023 election.
Others include Dr. Festus Uzor, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, Nze Michael Onyeze, Barr. Nestor Ezeme, Barr. Uche Levi Abonyi and Dr. Uche Uzochukwu.
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