By Kenneth Onuoha
A group, the Anambra Progressives’ Union Against COVID-19, has handed over a fully equipped Medical Centre to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State.
The Chief Convener of the group, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, in his remarks during the commissioning, said the project was part of the Anambra Progressives Union’s strategic projects with special focus on world-class healthcare delivery and emphasis on improved medical services that would engender affordable medical tourism in Nigeria, especially in the state.
He disclosed that the project was made possible by the response of progressive-minded citizens of Anambra State, including those in the diaspora who raised N479 million for the building of world-class medical centres in three Senatorial zones of Anambra: North, South and Central.
The Senator, who represents Anambra South Senatorial District in the
Senate, revealed that the Nnewi Medical Centre had earlier been commissioned, while that of Awka, domiciled at UNIZIK, which was just commissioned, would take care of any emergency situation and at the same time handle any case of COVID-19 infection in Anambra effectively.
Ubah, however, expressed regret that the Medical Centre for Anambra North, earlier started at Nsugbe with about N10 million already spent, had been stalled owing to the interference of the state government who, he alleged, did not want the project to succeed.
Despite this setback, he continued, the group decided to move forward by taking the facility to another location in Onitsha (Anambra North), a property owned by a faith-based mission.
Sen. Ubah also disclosed that the group was embarking on other projects geared towards creating a strong economy in Anambra and an agricultural revolution through the setting up of industrial clusters, Inland Ports and large scale farming in different parts of the state.
In his comments, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, lauded the Anambra Progressives Development Union and Senator Ubah for the milestone project, assuring that the facility would be put to maximum use.
He applauded the team spirit and progressive minds of the project sponsors and encouraged them to continue in the path for a greater future for the state and the benefit of its people.