Governors Across the 36 States Urged to Emulate Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s Progressive Approach to Healthcare Development.
The Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Mburubu Construction Company Ltd, High Chief Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, made this call on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the Kanu Heart Foundation Walk.
The event, an annual awareness program on heart diseases, was organized by the Kanu Heart Foundation. The foundation, established in 2000 by ex-Super Eagles player and Nigerian legend Kanu Nwankwo, aims to help underprivileged African children and young adults with various heart conditions access life-saving cardiac surgeries in Nigeria and other African countries.
In his address to newsmen, Dr. Onuokaibe highlighted that healthcare is one of the major challenges affecting people’s livelihoods. He emphasized that prioritizing healthcare across all government sectors could lead to significant improvements nationwide.
He praised Kanu Nwankwo, the founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation and organizer of the event, for his selfless contributions to Nigeria.
“Kanu’s passion, stemming from his own experience undergoing heart surgery during his football career, is truly admirable,” Dr. Onuokaibe stated. “His survival and continued dedication to helping others in similar circumstances deserve acknowledgment.”
The business leader called for greater support and collaboration across all sectors to aid the foundation in achieving its mission.
“We are here to stand in solidarity with a Nigerian hero who has made significant sacrifices for our nation. Kanu Nwankwo has given so much, and we are here to support him. I have seen firsthand his passion for helping people with heart conditions, having gone through it himself after the Atlanta ’96 Olympics. Since then, he has worked relentlessly to ensure that others can survive and live healthy lives. I urge the government at all levels, corporations, and traditional institutions to partner with the Kanu Heart Foundation to save more lives.”
Dr. Onuokaibe also commended the efforts of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State in the health sector. He highlighted the ongoing construction of the 250-bed, ultra-modern quaternary health facility known as the Enugu International Hospital, calling it a landmark achievement for any governor in West Africa.
He further explained that the hospital, when completed, would promote medical tourism to the state and enable advanced surgeries for complex health issues, particularly heart-related conditions.
“I commend Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for spearheading the construction of the largest hospital in West Africa, the Enugu International Hospital. This facility will include a state-of-the-art cardiology department capable of treating chronic heart diseases and performing advanced surgeries. It showcases the governor’s determination and commitment to improving healthcare and leaving a lasting impact.”
“Imagine if similar efforts were undertaken by governors across the country—there would undoubtedly be a positive shift.”
