Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday paid a return visit to the Mother of Mercy College of Nursing Sciences, Mbutu-Okohia, Ngor Okpala, Imo State, fulfilling the promise he made a few weeks earlier when he personally capped the pioneer nursing students during their inauguration and matriculation ceremony. During the visit, he donated ₦10 million to support the institution’s ongoing development. Obi reminded the students that by 2030 the world would face a significant shortage of healthcare workers, underscoring the global value of their chosen profession.
Addressing the students, Obi urged them to see themselves as global citizens who will be in high demand internationally. He encouraged them to cultivate what he described as the “Indian spirit”- achieving excellence abroad while remaining connected to home. “Wherever you are in the world, do not forget home,” he said, stressing that their training places them among the most relevant professionals of the future.
Obi explained that his consistent support for the College stemmed from his desire to see young Nigerians succeed. He noted that money has meaning only when it uplifts those in need. “We are doing this because you are very important. Your future is bright, and you are going to be great people,” he assured the students, adding that he was committed to their progress.
Welcoming him, the Provost of the College, Rev. Sr. Tochukwu Martha Ike, described Obi as “God-sent,” expressing gratitude for his repeated visits and generosity. She explained that the entire college project was undertaken by their congregation, the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy (DMMM), and appealed to him to help attract more well-meaning individuals to support their mission of serving God through serving humanity.
Sr. Ike recalled that during Obi’s earlier visit for the capping ceremony, the college highlighted its milestones, including securing full accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and commencing the Basic Nursing Programme with a dedicated and competent team of academic and administrative staff. She reaffirmed the institution’s mission to expand access to quality nursing education, especially for underserved communities.
She acknowledged that the young institution still faces challenges, including the need for expanded infrastructure and modern equipment. However, she expressed confidence that with sustained support from people like Obi, Mother of Mercy College would grow into a world-class centre for healthcare training.
Obi commended the DMMM Congregation for its longstanding investment in education and healthcare, noting that faith-based institutions remain crucial partners in building Nigeria’s social and moral foundations. He encouraged the students to embrace discipline, compassion, and integrity, reminding them that nurses remain the backbone of every functional and responsive healthcare system.
Caption for the picture
Mr Peter Obi presenting a cheque of ₦10 million to the management of Mother of Mercy College of Nursing Sciences, Mbutu-Okohia, Ngor Okpala, during his return visit to support the institution’s ongoing development.
