From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, yesterday, presented a cheque of N10 million to St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha College of Nursing Sciences.
Obi, during the cheque presentation at the school’s premises, said the gesture was his annual way of supporting and impacting towards strengthening the critical sectors, especially, health, education and reducing poverty in the society.
The former Anambra State governor said the donation was meant for 2023, but he could not visit the school in 2023 to present the cheque because of electoral activities and other issues that did not allow him do so.
Obi said it was part of his own way of giving back to the society, what God has given to him, adding that nurses play critical role in moulding a healthy and virile nation.
“When people say things that you did and what you did not do while in office, it is because there were people there. I remembered as a primary school boy, I was taught that the first nurse produced in Nigeria was by the Iyi-Enu School of Nursing here in Anambra.
“We need to start contributing our quota to the development of critical institutions like this. I am sure in time to come, this school will move to greater heights. The nurses are very critical as they are the ones who assist the doctors in many ways and takes care of the patients. The nurse owns the patient, their job is critical and it is needed globally. Nursing is one profession that the world needs.
“Ours is to continue to support. I will continue to offer my annual yearly support. Last year, I did not come because of activities that took my time. All we are doing today is giving back what God has giving to us, it is not by our own power. I came to support the college, the students, the health workers and the management team and we will continue to pray for your success.”
Speaking with newsmen after the presentation of the cheque, Obi said it was important for relevant authorities, at all levels, to start prioritising the key sectors of human development like health, education and pulling people out of poverty.
While receiving the cheque on behalf of the college management, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and the Proprietor, College of Nursing Sciences, St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Valerian Okeke, commended Obi for his continuous support of the college.
