Peter Obi Donates N10m To Cross River Hospital, Calls For More Investment In Healthcare
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has donated N10 million to the Catholic Maternity Hospital, Moniaya, in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, while calling for increased investment in Nigeria's healthcare sector.
Obi made the donation during a visit to the decades-old faith-based medical facility on Saturday, describing the hospital as a critical healthcare institution that has continued to serve thousands of women and newborns despite operating with limited resources.
According to him, the Catholic Maternity Hospital remains “virtually the only maternity hospital serving the entire Ogoja area,’’ bearing a huge responsibility in providing maternal healthcare services.
The former Anambra State governor lamented Nigeria's high maternal and infant mortality rates, noting that the country still ranks among the worst globally despite having a smaller population than countries such as China and India, which have made significant progress in reducing such deaths.
"Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world, despite having overtaken countries such as China and India, whose populations are several times larger than ours," Obi said.
"This is not just a statistic; it represents mothers, babies, and families whose lives are forever changed by preventable tragedies."
Obi also commended the hospital for operating a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, describing the services provided by the facility as increasingly rare and vital to vulnerable communities.
"To support their commendable work, I made a token donation of N10 million and assured them of my continued partnership," he stated.
The 2027 NDC presidential candidate urged governments at all levels, the private sector and well-meaning Nigerians to support faith-based and voluntary healthcare institutions, stressing that they play a crucial role in bridging gaps in Nigeria's health system.
"I urge governments at all levels, the private sector, and well-meaning Nigerians to support institutions like this, run by voluntary and faith-based organisations. Investing in healthcare and education is investing in our future," Obi added.
He visited the hospital after departing Enugu for Ogoja/Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State as part of his engagements in the state.
Recall that on last week Sunday, Peter Obi donated N10 million to St. Raphael's Hospital, Umueri, in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State to mark his 65th birthday.
He stated that birthdays should be dedicated to service rather than personal celebration.