The former governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi, on Tuesday September 7, 2021, paid a courtesy visit to Bishop Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka. He first visited the bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah in his office at the Secretariat before proceeding to the hospital in the company of the Bishop, the Diocesan Secretory, few other priests and some of his aides. Okwute Ndi Igbo. as he is fondly called, was welcomed by the students and staff of the hospital. Present also, were the members of the Diocesan Medical Team, led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Mellitus Ossai, the chairman.

During his speech after, the welcome address, he observed that he discussed with Fr. Greg, the administrator of the hospital who told him his intention to raise the school of Nursing to the status of college in the next two years. Moved by that, he decided to step in to make this dream a reality by donating the sum of 100 million naira to the school. He thanked the governor of Enugu state, who graciously welcomed the idea of his visit when he made it known to him. Going further, he made it clear that the most critical measure of development of any society is human development. He gave little analysis of life expectancy in Nigeria and mortality index and concluded that we are on the low ebb. On poverty, he said research has shown that the number of poor persons in Nigeria are more than the number of poor people in both India and China combined. The number of health workers are decreasing and it will even continue in the future. Our problem is that we don’t make plans for the future. He admonished all to always pray for our leaders to use public fund for public purposes.

During his speech, Fr. Bishop, opined that Peter Obi’s interest is in humanity not just Anambra state. He looks for where there is need and provides for it. He briefly narrated how he called him, telling him, his intention to visit his diocese, when he was away on retreat in Ekwulobia diocese. The bishop recalled that he had in the past donated a school bus to Bishop Shanahan and also made some donations to St. Patrick’s College Obollo Eke. Fr. Bishop said that Obi has integrity and that is where he is different from other public office holders. This country does not like integrity, he advised him not to lose his integrity no matter what happens. A gift of a Rosary from the Holy See and the plaque of Holy Family were given to him.

Fr. Dr. Mellitus Ossai gave an address of appreciation to Mr.Peter Obi, estbablishing that that occasions of thanksgiving betray the paucity of human language. “Thank you” does not express fully the feelings of joy, but since there is no other to substitute for it, he thanked him immensely for his exceptional charity. He promised that his donation will be used for the purpose for which it was donated. He also supported what Mr. Obi did, with the sum of 10million naira.

Fr. Bishop also thanked Fr. Ossai for his own donation and Mr. Obi was taken round the new hospital under construction.

Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu
September 8, 2021
Shepherd Communications