By Ovat Abeng
In his ongoing commitment to investing in critical areas that drive development, health education, and poverty reduction, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has donated 50 million naira to the University on the Niger (UNINIGER), Umunya, at their take-off campus in Iyi-Enu, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, to support infrastructure development.
He also provided an additional 10 million Naira to the School of Nursing at Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi.
During his visit to the Institution, on Thursday, Mr. Obi shared his view that financial support for health, education, and poverty reduction efforts is not merely expenditure, but rather an investment in crucial areas that drive sustainable development. “Our health and education sectors have continued to suffer from severe neglect and lack of government attention, leading to many dire consequences,” he explained.
Highlighting the specific challenges facing the health sector, Mr. Obi noted that it is burdened not only by funding gaps and infrastructure deficits but also by a significant shortage of healthcare professionals across the country. “We are currently facing a shortage of doctors and nurses, far below WHO’s recommendations,” he said. “The solution to this critical shortage lies in investing more aggressively in the training of healthcare professionals nationwide.”
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He expressed his belief that investments like these form the foundation of future developmental strides. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to remain committed to their studies and moral development, reminding them that the value of their qualifications lies in both academic and character excellence.
In his remarks, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, who oversees the schools, recalled how Obi revitalised education in the state by returning schools to the Church and supporting them thereafter. He expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Obi and commended his dedication to uplifting crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and empowerment. Bishop Nwokolo noted that Iyienu School of Nursing was one of the first institutions to benefit from Obi’s interventions when he was Governor, which enabled them to gain accreditation, and it has continued to receive his support long after his tenure.
In his own remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Chinedu Osita Nebo, said that Obi is one man who understands the importance of education and has continued to apply himself commendably to that cause. He remarked that Obi’s devotion to education during his tenure as governor awakened the entire South East to pay attention to education, which has led the Eastern states to rank among the best in the nation.
Speaking at the event, a medical student of the institution, Mr. Ikenna Offor, shared his joy at being part of it, saying, “I’ve heard so much about Mr. Obi, but this was my first time seeing him. It’s amazing to witness the generosity of this great man. Since joining this school, I’ve learned that it was his intervention that made possible two student hostels, House Officers’ quarters, the theatre complex, offices, classrooms, the accident and emergency building, the amenity ward, staff quarters, and the live ambulances. We thank him deeply for his support and hope he continues visiting us.”
It was gathered that Mr. Obi was accompanied by his fans including Professor Stella Okunna, among other personalities.
