Bunu Interest Group (BIG), a community development NGO in Bunu district of Kogi State, Nigeria had a spectacular outing in December 2018.
The group which was established in 1996 carries out medical outreach across villages in the district many of which have no functional primary health centers and the few ones available are not well equipped.
The medical outreach has been one of the few hopes for Bunu indigenes to receive proper medical attention. A team of Medical Doctors, Pharmacists and Nurses are usually assembled in the hosting communities for the outreach; all members of BIG are also expected to be present to arrange logistics and other supports.
2018 outreach took place at Olle, 356 patients were attended to including 88 of them that have eye problems. 75 eye glasses were given out and some of the patients were referred to hospitals, the medical bills to be paid by the group.
To round up 2018 programs, her annual presidential dinner held at Lenry Hotel Kabba; the Bunu hall of fame award was launched at the dinner. The award is put in place to honor “Bunu First”.
The first sets of awardees inducted into the hall of fame are:
- Prof Olu Obafemi – First Professor from Bunu
- Air Commodore Dele Alonge – First Air Force General from Bunu
- Dr Olorunfemi Peter – First Medical Doctor from Bunu
- Mr. A.A. Olowo – First Graduate from Bunu
- Barrister John Bayeishea – First Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Bunu
- Late Mrs Omnipo Braimoh – First Bunu Female graduate
- Late Mr Jimmy Atte – First Federal Director from Bunu
All past presidents of BIG were honored for their meritorious services:
- Mr. Oni Felix—-President 2005 – 2010
- Mr Ola Ehinmoro—President 2011 – 2014
- Pastor Timi Aroniyo —-President 2015 — 2018
Also honored was Barrister Emmanuel Omonile for making first class at the Nigerian Law School and the only first class in Kogi State despite financial challenges as well as Miss Aderonke Meseko who became a chartered accountant at the age of 21 after graduating with a first class.
New members were inducted into the group, the president also extended invitation to anyone who may be interested in becoming a member but such individuals should satisfy two conditions- be an indigene of Bunu and should also be willing to pay the group mandatory N24,000 annual dues and any other amount for development.
Signed:
Pastor Timi Aroniyo
President.
