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.
The money is specifically meant for the upgrade of the hospital’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Technology to a college.
The money is to be disbursed over the next three years.
Obi, who is a former governor of Anambra State, while presenting the cheque to the proprietor of the hospital and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Bishop Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, at the hospital premises earlier on Tuesday, emphasised 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.
According to him, “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 decried the shortage of nurses and midwives, not only in Nigeria but also globally
By his projection, more than 10 million nurses would be needed in the global health sector by 2030.
He 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, thanked Obi for his kind gesture, describing him as a lover of humanity.
He said that Obi had always been supportive of the hospital, even when he was the Governor of Anambra State.
The bishop 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.
