By Deborah Uzoma
An Imo Commedian, popularly known as MC Duke has been entertaining pregnant women before labour as part of his humanitarian services. This entertainment efforts have been showcased on his Facebook social media, where he has visited over 28 hospitals, including government and private institutions, across Imo State.
In an exclusive interview with Deborah Uzoma last Sunday 6th April, 2025, MC Duke shared the inspiration behind his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of expectant mothers.
Good day Sir, good to meet you. Please can you introduce yourself?
I’m Duruji Ezekiel, known as MC Duke, a proud son of Ejemkwuru, Oguta LGA. My dancing performances have earned me the nickname ‘Pregnant women’s husband’ due to their ease of delivery after my shows. However, I’ve adopted the title ‘Ambassador of Pregnant Women’ as more fitting. I am also a master of ceremonies and gospel preacher, I combine entertainment and faith in my ministry.
On this note, I would say a big congratulations. That’s a remarkable one.
Thank you ,my sister. This is service. I am rendering it with all joy and self funding it to the glory of God.
Please Sir, how did you realise this was a cause you wanted to dedicate yourself to?
As a young boy, I used to dance to entertain people. My passion for performance was evident even back in 1985 when my mother gave birth to my twin brothers at a hospital in Maroko, Lagos. Although my dancing was initially just for personal enjoyment, it wasn’t until early 2023 that the ministry truly took off.
It started when I met a pregnant woman during one of my content creation sessions. I felt compassion for her and asked where she received prenatal care. She shared the information with me, and I decided to visit the antenatal ward at Holy Family Hospital.
On my next visit, I brought buns and wine for the expectant mothers, cracked jokes, and we even danced together. Miraculously, nine pregnant women gave birth that same day. Since then, my ministry has continued to grow, and many women have experienced healthy deliveries, even at Federal Medical Hospital in Owerri.
Can you share a particularly touching moment or experience you’ve had while performing for expectant mothers?
The first day I went with my musical instrument for entertainment, a pregnant woman after dancing delivered of her twin babies. In 2017, I paid for a hospital bill for a pregnant woman who delivered of her baby.
Since then, as God provides, I assist in hospital bills.
How many hospitals do you visit in a week?
Average of four hospitals,sometimes five. Since I stared this dancing performances in 2023, I have not stopped. There is no week I don’t visit hospitals in the week both government and private. Also, I share gifts to the pregnant women.
Don’t you think that this is more than service? Probably, a call.
Yes. I know. This is a call and I’m living the ministry. My mantra is seeing someone else happy. A mother gave birth to me.
I had always had compassion on pregnant women.
Of recent, I have been advocating for The National Health Insurance, scheme NHIS, posting it on my Facebook page for the pregnant women to enroll. It would aid reduce their hospital bills , especially those whose delivery is of the cesarean section
Your initiative is unique in that you’re providing entertainment services free of charge. What motivates you to continue this work without expecting compensation?
Every day, God keeps inspiring me on new ways to entertain pregnant women. Psalm 149 vs. 3 also resonates with what I do.
I am the first comedian to venture into this part of entertainment in Owerri. I don’t know know about other states but I am willing to go to other states upon invitation. Additionally, I also use the opportunity to enlighten the expectant mothers on their rights during pregnancy of which many of them are not aware of. I crack funny jokes and the women are always happy, wanting me to come around all the time.
Seeing people happy at ease , especially for pregnant women motivates me, more.
What have been the feedback your dancing performances has on the mental and emotional well-being of pregnant women?
Some medical practitioners in the state have really commended me. There are about twenty eight of them. Infact, some hospitals have reached out to me to do this for them of which I gladly accepted. This is to show that this exercise has received commendation from medical practitioners. It helps the women to push their babies at ease. Some do not even experience labour pain. And after delivery, they are strong and healthy. No postpaturm trauma. The dancing exercise works faster than inducement.
How do you select the content and material for your performances, and what types of music or entertainment do you think are most enjoyable for pregnant women?
I have been doing this alone as a one man-squad. Most times, I invite DJ’s when I can afford to. The styles include : the squatting style, hip-circle style, dogging and lots more. Most times, I get inspiration on the style and music to introduce to the pregnant women when I arrive at their meeting place.
Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced in organizing and executing your initiative, and how you’ve overcome these obstacles?
Refusing to approve my letters and granting me entrance at the Government hospitals have really been challenging. I have written letters and they are yet to call me. I have not heard from them, and so, this limits me too.
Like I mentioned , I have been self-funding this outreach as a one man squad. I fuel my car tank and buy refreshments for the women , most times. This could be challenging, and it involves money. The initiative has been of great support and stress relief to expectant mothers a positive pregnancy experience is a great testimony to me.
This is amazing. You’ve done noble and you really deserve to be celebrated.
Yes, ooo. It has not been easy but I derived joy doing this and people have started testifying of my good works on their sisters and family members.
How do you see your work evolving in the future, and are there any plans to expand your initiative to reach more pregnant women ?
Yes, I need collaboration and assistance from spirited individuals and government to expand this outreach. I am running a non -profit NGO and I need assistance to move into rural communities , too. My mantras include that “No woman should lose her life when giving birth”, and “Pregnancy looks good on you.”
I would love to be invited by churches, organisations, hospitals housing expectant mothers for my dancing performance with them.
Are their ways someone can contact you?
Yes, through my Facebook Page :Duruji Ogechi Mc Duke. My numbers are :
08093876982 ,09053826356
Ambassador of Pregnant Women, MC Duke, I commend you for your remarkable work. I wish you continued strength and success in your endeavors.
Thank you for sharing your time with me, and I look forward to seeing your continued impact. Stay blessed .
Thank you, my sister. In fact , you are the first person to interview me. God bless you.
You too,thank you.
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Deborah Uzoma is also known as Deborah Chinonyerem Uzoma is a female advocate , creative writer, and researcher. With a Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Literary Studies, Imo State University. She is the author of My Father’s House and Other Poems.(her debut children poetry collection) She loves to document campus chronicles and life events. Deborah is currently the team lead of DebbieWrites Literary Services. She loves research, travelling, intellectual conversation and exploring new skills.
