Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, recently made a significant contribution to healthcare education by visiting the College of Nursing Sciences at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
He donated a generous sum of N20 million to support the training of health workers, with a particular focus on nurses.
Taking to social media, Obi shared his activities on World Sick Day, where he emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare. He expressed his dedication to supporting the growth of the health sector, citing it as a vital indicator of societal development. Despite the timing coinciding with the AFCON Finals and the unfortunate passing of close friends Herbert Wigwe and Abimbola Ogunbajo, Obi ensured his commitment to the cause remained unwavering.
Obi’s support for the College of Nursing in Ihiala dates back to his tenure as Governor of Anambra State. He commended the institution for its progress and dedication to training over a thousand students in nursing, midwifery, and medical lab science. He extended his gratitude to the college’s management, staff, and proprietor for their continuous efforts.
During his visit, Obi took the opportunity to address challenges facing nurses, particularly regarding verifications for migration imposed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). He urged the council to reconsider these stringent measures, emphasizing the importance of facilitating access to global opportunities for Nigerian healthcare professionals. Obi highlighted the potential benefits, including international exposure and significant foreign remittances, which could surpass traditional revenue sources like oil.
In conclusion, Obi called for prompt action from the NMCN to reverse these measures, emphasizing the broader benefits for Nigerian nurses and the nation’s overall healthcare system. His donation and advocacy reflect a commitment to improving healthcare education and accessibility in Nigeria.