The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said that for the country to move forward and join the league of developing nations, public funds must be channeled to the public good, not to private interest.
Obi spoke in Anambra State at the continuation of his charity work in public health and educational institutions in the state; at the official opening of Immaculate Heart of Mary Specialist Hospital built by the Sisters of Immaculate Heart Congregation, and the opening of Ihim Specialist Hospital.
The former governor of Anambra state noted that any nation that takes education and the health of its citizens with utmost priority can be counted among the developed and will as well achieve more of its potential.
Obi, who also presented a cheque of N2 million naira to the hospital management, lauded the Mother General of the Congregation, Mary-Claude Oguh, and the Sisters for their dedication, care, and prudent management of resources.
He recalled that he made monetary donations to the Hospital in 2013 as Governor for the foundation of the ultramodern hospital and expressed satisfaction that the management judiciously applied the fund and also maximized other opportunities and funds at their hospital to take the project to completion which is being celebrated presently.
Obi also requested prayers for Nigeria and the political class so that leaders can do the right thing at all times and also said that the Rev. Sisters shall be included in the scheme of things while looking for project execution in government since they have justified the confidence reposed on them with the judicious utilisation of funds made available to them.
“I have always advocated for one thing – that public funds are used for the public good and not for private gains. When I gave you the first cheque years back, I never knew you will complete this. The church has shown consistency as better managers of money than the government”
Mother General of the Congregation, Mary-Claude Oguh, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Sr. Maria Nkiruka Okafor in their separate addresses eulogised Obi for his foresight and magnanimity as Governor of Anambra State confirming that it was his monetary donation that laid the foundation for the hospital.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Obi was thereafter honoured with the “Most Outstanding Pillar of Foundation Award” by the hospital management and the congregation.
