Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, on Wednesday called for comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s health sector, describing it as one of the most critical components of the nation’s development architecture that has suffered neglect by successive administrations.
Obi made the call during a courtesy visit to the College of Nursing, Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, Ibadan, where he emphasised the need for urgent reforms to revitalise the country’s healthcare system.
Speaking with staff and students of the institution, Obi lamented that Nigeria’s health sector continues to suffer due to poor investment in human capital development, inadequate infrastructure, and the mass exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
He noted that the neglect of healthcare over the years has deepened poverty, widened inequality, and eroded public confidence in government institutions meant to safeguard citizens’ well-being.
Obi explained that a nation’s strength lies in the health and productivity of its people, insisting that no economy can grow meaningfully when its workforce is sick, demoralised, or poorly trained.
“You cannot talk about economic growth when your people are not healthy. A productive nation is one where its citizens have access to quality healthcare, where hospitals are functional, and where medical workers are adequately motivated,” he stressed.
Obi maintained that the country’s approach to development has been largely misplaced, with huge resources channelled into consumption rather than investment in critical areas like health and education.
“We have spent years celebrating the wrong things. When we invest in people, especially in the health and education sectors, we are building the real foundation for national progress. Unfortunately, our priorities have been wrong for too long.”
He reiterated that the revitalisation of Nigeria’s healthcare system must begin with policies that value and retain skilled professionals.
According to him, “We need to make our hospitals places where doctors and nurses want to work, not where they plan their exit. Government should see healthcare as a security issue because a sick nation cannot defend itself or compete globally.”
Obi, however, announced a donation of N10 million to the College of Nursing, Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, to demonstrate his personal commitment to the development of the sector,
He explained that the fund would assist in improving teaching and learning facilities, supporting the training of nurses, and enhancing the overall learning environment.
Obi said the gesture forms part of his nationwide effort to contribute directly to human capital development rather than engage in political grandstanding.
“This N10 million donation is not about politics. I have been going around the country contributing my quota to educational and health institutions because these are the foundations upon which national development is built.”
“My aim is to support places like this that are grooming the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
Obi added that his intervention was driven by a deep sense of responsibility to give back to society and inspire others to do the same.
“If every privileged Nigerian supports a school, a hospital, or a training institution, our country will be in a far better state than it is today,” he remarked.
The Labour Party flag bearer also urged leaders at all levels to adopt a long-term vision that focuses on sustainability rather than short-term political gains.
“What we need is consistency in policy, not politics. Healthcare planning should not end with a change of government. We must see it as a continuous national project,” Obi asserted.
He assured that his commitment to supporting the health sector would remain unwavering, promising to continue advocating reforms that place people at the centre of government policy.
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