Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State, was filled with celebration on Monday as Princess Stephanie Asadu presented a 2014 Toyota Camry to the community hospital.
The handover ceremony, held at the hospital premises in Ugbogidi/Ozalla village, saw HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu Jr. formally present the vehicle to the hospital’s Board of Trustees. The BoT Secretary, Mrs Roseline Ezeugwu, then handed it over to hospital management. Community members described the donation as proof that the royal family’s younger generation is ready to continue its legacy of service and philanthropy.
Princess Stephanie, who joined the donation virtually, said she was moved to give after attending a BoT meeting with her father in December 2025 while visiting from the United States.
“I was inspired by God to support my community’s hospital after seeing the progress and the people’s commitment to keep it running,” she stated. “My parents are givers, my grandfather was a giver, so I decided to give what I have.”
Igwe Asadu, Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and former South-East Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, said the hospital was never meant for profit.
“This is a mission hospital. It’s the first free hospital in South-East Nigeria,” the monarch, popularly called “Igwe Ogadagidi,” explained.
He recounted that the hospital stands on land originally allocated to him for a palace in 2018. He chose instead to build the facility, which was commissioned in 2019 with Prof. Felix Asogwa as BoT Chairman. For seven years it has operated without major hitches, serving Edem-Ani residents and beyond.
The monarch said his passion for free healthcare comes from his late father, Sir Samuel Ejikeme Asadu, who treated patients at little or no cost. Before becoming king, Igwe Asadu trained and worked as a nurse in the United States.
“God made me from a nobody to a king, and told me to go to Edem-Ani and make them proud,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the BoT Chairman Prof. Asogwa, Mrs Ezeugwu called the donation “historic and symbolic,” noting it reflects Princess Stephanie’s love for her people. She added that the vehicle will be deployed immediately to boost emergency response and overall service delivery.
Chief Medical Director Dr Odo Abangwu Emmanuel Chikaodili described the gift as “appreciation for a job well done and encouragement to keep doing well.”
Hospital Administrator Joseph Ugwuanyi, the monarch’s Chief of Staff John Okanya, and youth leader Ezema Hyacinth Tobechukwu all thanked the princess and the king. They said the vehicle will improve mobility for urgent medical cases and strengthen healthcare access for rural dwellers in Edem-Ani and neighboring communities.
Igwe Ogadagidi is widely known for philanthropy focused on housing for widows, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Monday’s donation adds to that record, with residents praising the royal family for putting community welfare first.
