Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Urges Diasporans To Help End Nigeria’s Medical Tourism, Flags Off Medville Medical City In Mbaise
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to bring an end to the growing trend of medical tourism by investing in healthcare solutions back home.
Speaking during the 16th Annual Mbaise USA Convention in Minnesota, USA, the Minister challenged Nigerians living abroad to begin replicating the infrastructure and systems they enjoy in their host countries within their local communities in Nigeria.
She made the remarks while officially flagging off construction on the Medville Medical City in Uvuru, Mbaise, Imo State a project initiated by the diaspora to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the country.
“This legacy project will not only place Mbaise on the global map but also bridge the gap in medical care for our people,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, commending Dr Nancy Akunna, the visioner behind the Medville initiative, for her foresight and patriotism.
Highlighting the importance of leveraging diaspora experience, the Minister said that efforts such as this align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s 4Ds foreign policy thrust—Democracy, Diaspora, Demography and Development.
She pledged full support from both the Federal and Imo State governments, noting that her office is ready to collaborate to ensure the project’s successful completion.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor and a daughter of Mbaise, hailed the initiative, expressing Abia State’s interest in future collaborations with Mbaise USA.
National President of Mbaise USA, Ezeji Alozie Aguwa, and Board Chairman Dr Charles Iwejuo shared highlights of the group’s impactful projects—from WHO-standard boreholes and electrification to digital hubs and scholarship schemes.
In her remarks, Dr Nancy Akunna described Medville as a transformative medical and educational facility aimed at building a self-sustaining health ecosystem in rural Nigeria.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including ABC Transport Chairman Frank Nneji, Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director Sir Stanley Amuchie, and religious leaders from both Catholic and Anglican dioceses.
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