By Charles Igwe
In commemoration of World Sick Day, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made a philanthropic visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala on February 14, 2024. During his visit, Obi extended a generous donation of ₦20 million to the hospital, specifically earmarked to support the training of nurses.
Commending the institution’s commitment to nursing education, Obi congratulated the proprietor, management, and staff for their dedication to maintaining high-quality standards in nurse training. In addition to his financial contribution, Obi seized the opportunity to address pertinent issues facing the nursing profession in Nigeria.
Expressing concern over the stringent measures imposed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which have hindered nurses’ verifications for migration, Obi appealed to the council to reconsider its stance. He emphasized the importance of investing in more training institutions for healthcare professionals and facilitating their access to global opportunities. Obi urged the NMCN to promptly reverse these measures, citing their detrimental impact on Nigerian nurses and the nation’s healthcare sector at large.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Bishop Jonas Benson, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, who joined in acknowledging Obi’s contribution to the hospital and advocacy for nursing professionals. Obi’s visit and donation underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing healthcare education and addressing systemic challenges within the nursing profession.
