INTERVIEW “I WAS CROWNED OWATAPA EKITI 70 YEARS AFTER MY FATHER LOST THE OBASHIP RACE” - Oba (Dr.) David Makanjuola Ajaja, the Owatapa of Itapa Ekiti

The Seraphic Psychiatric Hospital and Elderly People’s Home, recently completed in Aguleri, Anambra State by the Founder of Seraphic Homes Foundation (SHF), Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has officially commenced operations.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Saturday, Evangelist Ebuka Obi—who is also the Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach—confirmed that two mentally challenged persons, a man and a woman, have already been rescued from the streets and admitted into the facility.

The man was picked up from Nteje community, while the woman, known to roam the Onitsha Main Market, was safely evacuated and brought in by the Seraphic Foundation rescue team.

According to Evangelist Obi, both individuals were immediately assessed by psychiatric doctors and other health professionals, after which treatment began.

“They are now being cared for and given everything they need completely free of charge,” he said, adding that more rescued persons will be brought into the facility in the coming days.

The psychiatric hospital, which reportedly cost over N1.6 billion, was commissioned on September 19 by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The facility is designed to provide completely free psychiatric care, including diagnosis, treatment, medication, rehabilitation, accommodation, and welfare support for individuals battling mental illness—at no cost to them or their families.

Evangelist Obi emphasized that the foundation aims to build “a society where the mentally challenged are no longer abandoned on the streets, but embraced, treated, rehabilitated, and empowered to live meaningful lives once reintegrated into society.”

Earlier in April, the Seraphic Homes Foundation commissioned the first-ever Old People’s Home and Orphanage in Mgbirichi, Imo State—a project inaugurated by Governor Hope Uzodinma. The ultra-modern facility currently provides shelter, food, education, medical care, and emotional support for abandoned children and elderly persons without caregivers.

Explaining the inspiration behind the foundation’s work, Evangelist Obi said he has always been passionate about uplifting the vulnerable, a calling rooted in his early walk with God.

He noted that the foundation also runs several programmes providing scholarships—up to university level—for indigent children, many of whom have already graduated. Additionally, SHF assists patients unable to afford life-saving treatments by settling hospital bills for various medical conditions.

Evangelist Obi urged individuals, organizations, and corporate bodies to join hands in supporting the mission through donations, volunteering, and awareness. He further disclosed plans to replicate these humanitarian projects across all states in Nigeria.

“To serve humanity with all I have is my calling,” he declared. “And this is what I will continue to do for the rest of my life.”