Horizon International Medical Missions (HIMM), in fulfillment of her vision of establishing good medical care, peace and socio-economic development for the people of Owerri West and Imo State, Nigeria, served as the linking bridge involved in the establishment of a sister city to city relationship between Owerri-West LGA and the city of Tybee Island, Georgia, USA. On May 27th, the Mayor and city council of Tybee voted to proclaim Owerri-West LGA as the Sister City of Tybee Island, Georgia with a goal to promote socio-economic development in Owerri West.
The president and founder of HIMM, Dr. Kennedy Okere, who is an indigene of Ihiagwa, a town in Owerri-West LGA, in his speech to the people of Tybee Island at the Tybee City council Meeting on May 27th said, “On behalf of my people of Owerri-West LGA, we offer our hands of love and peace in this sister city to city relationship. We do hope this relationship will bring cultural exchange and socio-economic development.”
In April 2004, HIMM missionaries from the United States, under the leadership of Dr. Kennedy Okere, stormed Ihiagwa, Obinze and Umuoye Imerienwe. Details are found in HIMM’s 2004 newsletter.
Julia Pearce, a Tybee Island citizen, was one of the missionaries that accompanied Dr. Okere on his 2004 mission. Mrs. Pearce shares her experience going on her first trip to Africa and to Ihiagwa, Imo State, Nigeria. Please read this interesting story of Julia’s experience.