Nigerian Healthcare Foundation confers chief title to Hackensack University Health Network President

NEWARK, N.J. - March 24, 2016 - PRLog -- The Nigerian Healthcare Foundation, one of West Africa's most beloved nonprofit organizations comprised of doctors and nurses who carry out medical missions to improve the health of Nigerians in rural communities, will once again host its annual fundraiser on Saturday, Apr. 2, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The highly anticipated "Faces of Hope Gala," which will feature the City of Newark's Deputy Mayor, Ugo Nwaokoro, and the CEO of Hackensack University Health Network, Robert Garrett, will be held at the Hyatt Regency located at 2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ.

Founded by award-winning pediatric physician, Dr. IwuozoObilo, the annual "Faces of Hope Gala" has been the primary fundraising mechanism for the Nigerian Healthcare Foundation (NHF), since its ascent into the nonprofit world in 1995. Since then, NHF has leveraged funds garnered year-over-year, to establish yearly medical mission trips to rural parts of Nigeria, where access to basic healthcare, education and proper hygiene options, are limited.

"For far too long, NHF has been the go to source for delivering medical treatment to Nigerians in hard-to-reach communities, stated Ijeoma Faison, executive director, Nigerian Healthcare Foundation. "NHF is out to create health equity and prove that all Nigerians can have access to quality health care services.

This year, the "Faces of Hope Gala" is set to honor Mr. Robert Garrett, with the "2016 Image of Hope" award for his commitment and service to the Nigerian people. Commenting on the award recipient," Dr. Obilo said, "There's so much about what Robert Garrett stands for, and has done for Nigerians, that lends itself perfectly to the NHF mission. As President and CEO of the Hackensack University Health Network, Garrett has been instrumental in facilitating our mission trips to ensure that Nigerians who need an improved quality of life, may avail themselves to top tier medical care providers that they would normally not get immediate access to."

In addition to this honor, the Nigerian community will confer the title of "Chief Omere MBA I of Obollo" - meaning the "the one who helps from afar"- through an authentic coronation ceremony led by his Royal Highness Eze Edwin MbaeyiOgwugwu I of Obollo, the Obollo traditional ruler from the village where Dr. Obilo was born and the NHF medical mission all started. Chieftaincy titles are conferred to a select few who are a beacon of hope for the Nigerian people. The event is always festive and takes place in the Nigerian community where the individual has engineered the greatest impact. Garrett's coronation facilitated by NHF is the first of its kind on American soil.

The gala will feature a cocktail hour between 7:00 p. m. and 8:00 p.m. and a formal awards dinner reception between 8 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Tickets and sponsorship details are available on the web at: http://nhfinc.org. Members of the press, please contact info@muipr.com, and include subject heading "Press Inquiry, Faces of Hope Gala."

About Faces of Hope Gala: The Faces of Hope Gala enables the Nigerian Healthcare Foundation to prevent community deterioration, improve healthcare conditions, and deliver medical services that mitigate the spread of disease and unnecessary death throughout Africa. Tragedy is something that strikes African nations like Nigeria all too often; with the help of the Nigerian Healthcare Foundation, and its Faces of Hope Gala, we have the opportunity to save thousands of lives that may have never had the chance otherwise. Visit http://nhfinc.org/events/2016-faces-hope-gala/ for more information.

About the Nigerian Healthcare Foundation: NHF works tirelessly towards ameliorating the health conditions in rural Nigeria where access to healthcare, education and proper hygiene options are limited or severely restricted. In 2001, NHF was formally incorporated as a non-profit, and since then, it has grown in stature and impact on the lives of thousands of Nigerians. Want to lend a helping hand to make a difference in someone's life today? Visit http://nhfinc.org/donate/ for more information.

About Chieftaincy Titles and Coronations: In the Igbo culture of Nigeria, the honor is given to men and women who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in communities across Nigeria. The process to coronation includes a series of vetting activities led by individuals in the community where the honoree has been nominated and has had the greatest impact. The recognition is conferred by a traditional ruler from the community who also validates that what the candidate for coronation has done merits such a high honor. The coronation event that occurs after the vetting process is often very big and festive. The chieftaincy coronation process has honored individuals in Nigeria for hundreds of years and it is modern representation of CNN Heroes.  The title conferred on Mr. Garrett will be the first of its kind in on American soil.

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Are you a healthcare provider or a concerned global citizen interested in making a difference in someone's life today?  We've learned that NHF's next mission trip will take place Jul 6 - 18. visit nhfinc.org to learn more about how you can be a part of the this year's program in a big way. If you cant make it this year, then consider making a donation to help NHF continue the great work its doing to provide medical care to rural communities in Nigeria. Visit nhfinc.org/donate today for more information.