By Favour Goodness
Former governor of Anambra State and vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Mr Peter Obi has donated N100 million to Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka, for its School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Technology.
Loading ...The money is to be disbursed over the next three years.
Presenting the cheque to the proprietor of the hospital and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Bishop Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, at the hospital premises, Obi also stated the urgent need for more investment in Nigeria’s health sector, especially at the primary level.
He said that nurses and midwives play very critical roles in healthcare delivery.
“We cannot talk about health, especially primary healthcare, which is the most critical, without talking about the contribution of nurses and midwives.
“Nurses and midwives account for over 50% of global health workforce. The play a very vital role in health promotion, disease prevention, delivery of primary and community care. They are key to the achievement of universal health coverage,” the former governor said.
Decrying the shortage of nurses and midwives, not only in Nigeria but also globally, Obi, who noted that by 2030, more than 10 million nurses would be needed in the global health sector, said the situation called for steps towards setting up and equipping colleges of nursing sciences and schools of midwifery to train health professionals who will fill in the gap.
In his remarks, Most Rev Godfrey Onah, while welcoming Obi and appreciating his kind gesture, described him as a lover of humanity.
Recalling how Obi had remained supportive of the hospital, even when he was the Governor of Anambra State, Bishop Onah described Obi as a man who loves to identify with and help those in need, pointing out that Obi is one man he knows who who has practical ideas that can change Nigeria for the better.
He urged Obi to hold on to his integrity which, he said, stands him apart.
“There are many politicians who are as intelligent, smart and influential as Peter Obi. However, Peter Obi’s integrity stands him out from them all. Throughout his years in the shark infested waters of Nigerian politics, Obi has refused to be stained by the corruption that pervades the entire political system. His commitment to human development remains exemplary”, Bishop Onah said.
In their respective speeches, the Hospital Administrator, Rev Fr Greg Onah and the Director of Health Services, Nsukka Diocese, Rev Fr Dr Mellitus Ossai, described Obi as a friend to the needy.
In the words of Fr Ossai, “Obi’s generosity and support are exceptional because he not only responds to appeals but goes out to seek for and help many others.”
They prayed God to bless him and give him the platform to touch more lives.
Obi was accompanied on his visit by his former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Budgeting and Economic Planning, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna, and former Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Anambra state, Dr. Patrick Nky Obi.
