From Neglect to Renewal: Kobi Community Health Centre Reborn through MaryCrown Foundation’s Intervention

By Genesis Ogiri | Guzape, FCT | June 26, 2025

Once marked by abandonment and neglect, the Primary Health Care Centre in Kobi community, Guzape, has undergone a remarkable transformation — emerging as a symbol of resilience and renewal. This change was made possible by the intervention of the MaryCrown Foundation for Women and Youth Social Development, under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Gbadewole Olubunmi Mary.

The commissioning and handover ceremony held on June 26, 2025, was not just a celebration of bricks and mortar—it was a celebration of community dignity, access to care, and the power of humanitarian vision. Residents gathered to witness what many called a “miracle” in their lifetime: the revival of a space once avoided out of fear and frustration.

Thursday Newsway Media reports that the commissioning of the renovated Kobi Primary Health Care Centre by the MaryCrown Foundation stands as a shining example of grassroots healthcare impact. Led by Ambassador Dr. Gbadewole Olubunmi Mary, the initiative is widely regarded as a model worth emulating — showcasing how visionary leadership and community partnership can transform lives and strengthen public health systems.

The high-level presence at the ceremony underscored the continental and global importance of community-centered healthcare.

Among the dignitaries were Ambassador Professor Tunji Asaolu, Chairman, Governing Council of the African Union Agenda 2063, and Secretary-General of the United World Congress of Diplomats, who commended the initiative as aligned with the AU’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

Also present were Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, Head of Mission; Ambassador Victoria Ogwuche, founder of VIMMA Glide Limited; and Dr. Zion Ameh, a renowned mental health awareness expert. Their attendance reflected a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and strengthening civic engagement through strategic partnerships.

Voices from the Community

According to Mrs. Grace Yakubu, a longtime resident of the Kobi community, the transformation of the health center is nothing short of remarkable. “The first time I came here, I felt like the mosquitoes alone could give you malaria,” she said. “But look at it now — it’s marvelous. The renovation has made this place feel like a real hospital. We feel seen, valued, and truly cared for.”

Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a father of four and local farmer, also shared his experience. “Before now, we had to travel far for even simple treatments. This place was in terrible condition. Today, I am proud to bring my children here. It’s clean, well-equipped, and the doctors are already attending to people with respect. This is a big relief for our families.”

In her emotional address during the commissioning ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Gbadewole Olubunmi Mary, founder of the MaryCrown Foundation, charged the Kobi community and health workers to take ownership of the newly renovated facility and ensure its proper maintenance. She emphasized that “maintenance is key” to sustaining the gains of the intervention and preventing infrastructure decay.

Ambassador Mary also used the moment to share her personal journey, recounting how she once started an ice block business with just ₦1,000. “Today, God has turned that little beginning into millions,” she said tearfully, inspiring many with her story of resilience, faith, and determination.

She reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to uplifting the less privileged. “As long as the Lord gives me breath, I will continue to put smiles on people’s faces — especially the vulnerable and underserved,” she vowed.

While encouraging women in particular, she urged them to believe in their vision, stay focused, and pursue their goals with resilience. Her words drew admiration from participants, many of whom described her as a goal-getter and a visionary leader who leads by example.

 Ambassador Marycrown described the project as part of her annual birthday tradition: to give back to the community instead of seeking personal celebration.

“Every June 26, I choose not to count what I receive, but what I give,” she said. “This is more than a handover—it’s a rebirth. To every mother, child, father, and youth who will use this facility, I want you to know: you matter. Your health matters. Your life matters.”

The project, which ran from May 20 to June 20, 2025, involved complete renovation of the health center, provision of medical equipment and drugs, distribution of hygiene kits, delivery kits, and sanitary pads, and delivery of free screenings for malaria, HIV, blood pressure, and other vital health indicators.

The outreach effort also included community health education sessions, with a special focus on mental health awareness for women and young girls with knowledge about preventive care and hygiene.

The event drew commendations from both local and municipal authorities, many of whom praised the project as timely and essential.

Dr. Okande Aderunke, who represented the Mandate Secretary of Health, emphasized the quality of the intervention:

 “The health center has been fully furnished and equipped. This isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a full transformation. We thank Ambassador MaryCrown for her deep commitment to health equity.”

Similarly, Dr. Modupe, Director of Primary Health Care at Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), hailed the project as a lasting solution to long-standing health access challenges:

 “This is not a temporary fix. It’s a long-term investment in lives. The community now has a functional, dignified facility they can trust.”

Arch. Andrew Gada, Director of Works and representative of the AMAC Chairman, reiterated the importance of public-private collaboration:

 “Government cannot do it alone. Any contribution to a community is a contribution to God. We commend the MaryCrown Foundation and charge the PHC leadership to prioritize maintenance, because that is key to sustainability.”

 “This project is a true example of Sustainable Development Goals in action,” one dignitary noted. “Especially SDG 3 on Health and SDG 17 on Partnerships.”

The most powerful endorsements came not from officials, but from the community members whose lives have already been touched. Mothers, elders, and youth spoke about how the transformation of the center has changed their perception of public healthcare — and given them hope.

 “Before, we didn’t bother coming here,” said a young father. “But now, even just walking into the clean, new building makes you feel respected. It shows we matter too.”

Free health screenings provided on the day of the event benefited dozens of residents, many of whom were attending a health check for the first time in months, or even years.

The revitalization of the Kobi Primary Health Care Centre stands as a testament to what visionary leadership, civic responsibility, and collective goodwill can achieve. The MaryCrown Foundation’s intervention has not only restored a health facility—it has restored trust, dignity, and hope to an entire community.

As dignitaries departed and residents lingered with gratitude, one truth became clear: sustainable development must start at the grassroots. And when leaders like Ambassador Dr. Gbadewole Olubunmi Mary choose service over celebration, they leave behind more than buildings—they leave behind legacies.

“Let this center be a place of healing. Let it save lives. Let it be a legacy of collective action, love, and service,” she concluded.

From neglect to hope, the Kobi Primary Health Care Centre now stands tall — not just as a healthcare facility, but as a symbol of what is possible when empathy meets action.

The MaryCrown Foundation’s intervention has turned the Kobi Health Centre from a forgotten facility into a hub of hope. With renewed infrastructure, medical supplies, and community trust, the project stands as a powerful reminder that impactful change begins with compassion and collective action.