"We met Dr. Eric Odo. He enquired where we came from, and when I informed him that we are a native of Aku in Igbo-Etiti LGA, he beamed with smiles. He said, “Then we are brothers.”

In every generation, certain individuals stand out not only because of their professional excellence, but also because of their amazing selfless service to humanity. Dr. Eric Odo is one of such rare individuals whose actions always speak louder than words by his practical demonstration of true love to all and sundry. His story is not just about success in medicine or leadership; it is about compassion, brotherhood and genuine concern for the welfare of others.

My personal encounter with Dr. Eric Odo revealed who he truly is beyond the walls of his profession. It all began when my younger brother (Chiedozie Aniaku) was involved in a ghastly road accident in Aku, our hometown, in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area. It was a moment of fear, confusion, and urgency to save his life. 

From Aku, we were referred under emergency to Parklane hospital, Enugu. And from there, we were transferred to Merfyms hospital, Enugu. And finally to UNTH (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital) Enugu. The stress was overwhelming as we ran heltare-skeltare trying to meet up with medical tests and procedures, doing everything possible to save my brother's life.

In the midst of this crisis, we met Dr. Eric Odo. He enquired where we came from, and when I informed him that we are a native of Aku in Igbo-Etiti LGA, he beamed with smiles. He said, “Then we are brothers.” Those words were not just a polite remark; they were the beginning of an extraordinary show of empathy and total dedication to duties. From that moment, Dr. Odo took our situation personally. He didn’t see us as just another set of patients; he saw us as members of his own family.

Despite his busy schedule, he always sacrificed his time to ensure that my brother received the best care possible at UNTH. Even when he was not on duty, he would still call or come around to check on my brother. His presence was not only professional but deeply comforting. He treated us with humility, patience, and love (qualities that are rare even among the best of doctors).

The height of his compassion was during the eight-hour operation that my brother underwent. Dr. Eric Odo was inside the theatre throughout the entire surgery, never leaving for a moment, even when other doctors had completed their parts and left. He stayed behind to ensure that my brother regained consciousness and stability. That act alone spoke volumes about his high dedication to duties, discipline, and brotherly love.

I was overwhelmed by the manifestation of true brotherly love by Dr. Eric Odo. He practically demonstrated true love, and not just by mere words.

Dr. Eric Odo is really a rare gem in the medical profession. He is an embodiment of hope for the hopeless, care for the needy, and service to humanity. 

When I later heard that Dr. Odo was appointed Chairman, Hospitals Management Board (SHMB) Enugu State, it wasn't a surprise to me because it was a clear indication of "a round peg in a round hole". He would definitely use such position to render selfless service to people, and to humanity at large. Bravo to you sir for that appointment. The reward for good work is more work.

Now that you're in a vantage position to serve the people of Igbo-Etiti LGA in the capacity as Chairman, may the Lord Almighty continue to endow you with the wisdom, love and understanding to always relate well with the people and never allow yourself to be manipulated by sycophants and mischievous ones amongst the people.

Dr. Eric Odo is not just a doctor by profession; he is a healer by calling, a leader by example, and a brother in all ramifications. His humane nature teaches us that rendering selfless service to people has a great reward that follows such good gesture. Remember the adage that says, "No cross, no crown". Dr. Eric Odo is now wearing his crown of Chairmanship for all the crosses he went through in helping humanity, no wonder the Less privileged and people with disabilities benefit more from his government.

As we thank God Almighty for the new position of our brother: Dr. Eric Odo, and pray for more of such positions, we also  appreciate our Governor, Dr. Ndubuisi Mbah for the wisdom endowed on him by God to discover and appoint a rare gem like Dr. Eric Odo to be at the helm of affairs as our beloved Chairman. 

Thank you my people. And may we continue to appreciate and give applauses to Hon. Dr. Eric Odo.

Engr. Sam. E. Aniaku,

Ameti, Ugwunani, Akụ.