A faith-based organisation known as Living By Design Nation (also referred to as ACE Foundation) donated a state-of-the-art toilet facility valued at N10 million to the management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu on Tuesday.
During the commissioning and handover of the toilet facility, Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Okoye, Provost of Living By Design Institute, expressed her honour in representing Living By Design Nation (LBD) as they handed over this modern restroom suite to UNTH.
“Today signifies a pivotal moment in our mission to serve humanity and create a positive impact within our community. LBD has recognised the urgent need for functional restrooms in this esteemed institution, and we are excited to have addressed that need. We extend our gratitude to Pastor (Mrs) Chinwe Ejiofobiri, whose concern for this issue was heightened by a close friend, who, during her time as a patient at UNTH, shared the distressing challenges posed by the lack of such facilities.
“As we hand over this facility, we pray that the UNTH Foundation can surpass its fundraising goal of N10 million and that projects like the LBD Toilet Gift will inspire other compassionate individuals and organisations to follow suit and respond to the UNTH Foundation’s call to action.
“May this endeavour also remind us that we are not just caregivers, but stewards of humanity.
“This project transcends mere charity; it is a testament to our organisation’s dedication to improving the lives of others. We believe that everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and dignified sanitation, which is a fundamental right.”
In their welcome addresses, the founders of Living By Design Nation, Dr Chiefo and Pastor Chinwe Ejiofobiri, remarked, “LBD is a community of accomplished entrepreneurs, top professionals, and influential leaders from diverse backgrounds across the globe.
“We embrace our faith and endeavour to live according to God’s standard, aiming to positively influence our surroundings through the lens of His love,” they added.
Recalling the inception of the project, Ejiofobiri shared, “One day, the Vice President of Living By Design Nation, Pastor Chinwe Ejiofobiri, spoke with a friend who was recovering in this leading medical institution.
“This friend struggled to find adequate rest due to the necessity of leaving her ward before dawn to use crude makeshift arrangements for her personal needs and having to bathe outdoors under the cover of darkness, as that section of the hospital lacked essential restroom facilities.
“Disturbed by the unsanitary conditions and the indignity involved, Pastor Chinwe contacted Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Joy Okoye, requesting her assistance in obtaining permission and space to construct comfort stations or restrooms for this area of the hospital.
“She was compelled to act upon hearing her friend’s account; she cannot bear to witness a problem and ignore it. Instead, she confronts it directly until a solution is secured.”
“The rest is history! We stand here today to inaugurate ‘The Comfort Station’, a testament to what can be accomplished when one resolves to take action.”
Professor Obinna Onodugo, Chief Medical Director (CMD), represented by Associate Professor Salomey Ezeofor, also acknowledged the occasion: “Today, we celebrate the generous contribution from Living By Design Nation (LBD), a remarkable arm of the Ace Foundation, which comprises a global community of over 2,500 members, united in a powerful vision of personal and collective transformation.
“On behalf of the entire Hospital Management and community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Living By Design Nation. This facility stands as a symbol of hope, a beacon of care, and a tangible expression of a community dedicated to uplifting others,” he stated.
Leader Ifenna Aralu, the Mayor of LBD in Enugu, also spoke, revealing that the N10 million toilet facility comprises eight blocks—four for males and four for females.
“The facility, initiated in 2021, is equipped with modern water closet toilets, wash-hand basins, and showers for user convenience.
“We have also installed a 750-litre water storage system to ensure a consistent water supply for the facility,” he concluded.
