The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday made a donation of N100 million to Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka, for their School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Technology over the next three years, which he described as an “investment”, rather than a donation.
He appreciated the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for ‘his support and commitment to serving his people by ensuring the growth of one of the most critical measure of human development index – health’, saying that his mission at the hospital would not have been possible, without the intervention of the Governor.
Presenting the cheque to the Proprietor of the Hospital and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese at the hospital premises. Obi also stated the urgent need for more investment in Nigeria’s health sector, especially at the primary level, saying 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 contributions of nurses and midwives.
“Nurses and midwives account for over 50% of global health workeforce. They 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,” Obi explained.
Obi added that there is shortage of nurses and midwives, not just in Nigeria but globally, and that by 2030, more 10 million nurses will be needed in the global health sector and that with clear planning, Nigeria would be part of the solution to that problem.
He said it is imperative, therefore, to set up and equip colleges of nursing sciences and schools of miidwifery to train health professionals who will fill in the gap.
The Proprietor of the Hospital and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, 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 said Obi loved to identify with and help those in need.
Onah described Obi as one who has the practical ideas to change Nigeria for the better. He urged Obi to hold on to his integrity which, he said, stood 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,” 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, especially through investment in needed areas.”
They prayed God to bless him and give him the platform to touch more lives.
Obi was accompanied by his former Chief of Staff and Former Commissioner for Budgeting and Economic Planning, Prof Stella Chinyere Okunna, and the Former Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Anambra State, Dr. Patrick Nky Obi.
Shanahan hospital is the only hospital in the Enugu North Senatorial District that has facilities for training nurses, midwives and technologist.
– Vanguard