By Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri
Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged governments at all levels to prioritise investment in education, particularly the training of healthcare professionals, saying no nation can achieve meaningful development without strengthening its human capital.
Obi made the call at the weekend while addressing the management, staff and students of the School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
He stressed that healthcare professionals remain indispensable to the wellbeing and productivity of society, urging the students to appreciate the critical role they would play in nation-building.
“I must remind the students of this institution that the world needs you more than you need the world because healthcare professionals are indispensable to the wellbeing and productivity of society,” he said.
Obi explained that his visit formed part of his continued tours of educational and healthcare institutions across the country, aimed at encouraging investment in critical sectors.
He said leaders should focus on building functional institutions capable of producing competent professionals and creating opportunities for all citizens.
“Our vision must be to build a Nigeria where functional institutions produce competent professionals, where investments are directed to critical sectors that lift people out of poverty, and where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.
“This is how we will build a nation where the son of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he stated.
The former governor expressed satisfaction with what he described as the remarkable progress recorded by the institution since his last visit, noting that the improvements reinforced his belief in the value of sustained investment in health education.
As part of his support for the institution, Obi donated N15 million to the School of Nursing Sciences.
Responding, the Hospital Director, Rev. Fr. Justin Okoro, commended Obi for what he described as his consistent advocacy for accountability and commitment to the welfare of humanity.
He also praised the former governor’s support for education and healthcare, expressing hope that his contributions to society would continue to impact lives positively.
“Humanity will always remember you for your kindness, particularly to the less privileged in society,” Fr. Okoro said.