The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, yesterday donated N35 million to a burnt hospital in Enugu, Enugu State, and the newly established Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State.
Out of the amount, the former Anambra State governor donated N10 million to Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital, Oguiyi to assist in the renovation of the hospital razed by fire.
After handing over the N10 million cheque to the hospital management at the hospital premises in Enugu, Obi went to the Shanahan University, Onitsha and donated N25 million to the university.
Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital belongs to the Reverend Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of the Catholic Church while Shanahan University is owned by the Onitsha Arch-diocese of the Catholic Church.
Addressing the hospital management team after inspecting parts of the burnt hospital, the NDC presidential candidate commended them for their efforts in contributing to the healthcare delivery services.
He told them that though they might be feeling that they were not being appreciated for what they were doing, he does.
Obi emphasised that healthcare delivery services just like education are among the “most critical needs of the society” and, urged them not to relent in what they were doing.
He also praised the management of the Shanahan University for contributing to the advancement of the education sector.
The NDC presidential candidate was accompanied during his visit to the both institutions by his Chief of Staff, Commissioner for Housing, as well as, Special Adviser on Media when he was Anambra state governor, Prof Stella Okunna, Prof. Patrick Obi, and Dr. Valentine Obienyem respectively
Expressing gratitude to Obi on behalf of their institutions, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Christ Specialist Hospitals, Rev Sister (Dr) Maria Nkiruka Okafor and the vice-chancellor of the Shanahan University, Prof Josephat Oguejiofor described Obi as a rare Nigerian politician.
“We are praying to God to grant your heart desire to become president of this country, so that you can help us transform our country”, Prof Oguejiofor asserted.
Rev Sister Okafor in her speech disclosed that Obi had already credited the hospital’s bank account with the N10 million donation, adding that he was even the person who called her, and, told her that he received the sad news of the inferno, and, promised that he would donate for the renovation.
She described him as a rare politician, saying that a typical Nigerian politician would pledge financial support, but, would compel the beneficial to an excruciating experiences before redeeming such pledge, and, might even not redeem the pledge at the end of the day.
Part of the Christ Specialist Hospital, Ogwuiyi gutted by inferno inspected by Obi was the Children’s Ward.
