By Yusuf Bólúwatifẹ́
Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, made a donation of N100 million to Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka, Enugu State, for their School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Technology.
Obi, who was the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 elections, presented the cheque to the Proprietor of the Hospital and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Godfrey Onah, at the hospital premises.
The project, according to reports, will last for three years.
Speaking at the presentation, Obi lauded Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State governor, for “his support and commitment to serving his people by ensuring the growth of the most critical measure of development”.
He said his mission at the hospital would not have been possible without the intervention of the governor.
The former governor 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 contribution of nurses and midwives.
“Nurses and midwives account for over 50% of global health workforce. 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,” he said.
In his remarks, the Proprietor of the hospital, Most Rev Onah, welcomed Obi and appreciated his kind gesture, describing him as a lover of humanity.
Onah recalled how Obi had remained supportive of the hospital, even when he was the Governor of Anambra State, adding that he (Obi) loves to identify with and help those in need.
