Ambassador Flags Off Medville Medical City, Urges Reinvestment In Nigeria

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has made a bold call, to Nigerians in the diaspora to abandon the passive culture of medical tourism and instead lead a healthcare revolution at home, at the flag off of the construction on Medville Medical City .

Speaking at the 16th Annual Mbaise USA Convention held in Minnesota, USA, the minister urged the diaspora community to redirect their resources, skills, and innovation toward sustainable development in Nigeria.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu officially flagged off the commencement of construction on Medville Medical City, a state-of-the-art hospital facility to be sited in Uvuru, Mbaise, Imo State. The project is spearheaded by Mbaise USA in partnership with Dr. Nancy Akunna, the visionary behind the initiative.

“Nigerians in diaspora must rise above merely remitting money and start replicating the infrastructure and medical excellence they enjoy abroad,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. “This is the time to build hospitals, not just houses. To shift from being healthcare seekers to healthcare providers.”

She emphasized that the Medville Medical City represents a legacy investment aligned with the 4Ds of the Federal Government’s foreign policy, Democracy, Diaspora, Demography, and Development, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “This is not just a project; it is a model of what’s possible when patriotic vision meets collective action,” she added.

Dr. Nancy Akunna, the initiator of the project, described Medville Medical City as a transformative concept, combining world-class healthcare services, education, and enterprise in a rural setting. “Our goal is to bring international standards to local communities,” she said, adding that the project would include research centers, training facilities, and a digitally driven health management system.

In her remarks, Dr. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor and proud daughter of Mbaise, praised the diaspora community for their commitment to development. She expressed willingness for future collaboration between the Abia State Government and Medville Medical City, calling it a blueprint for health-sector innovation.

The National President of Mbaise USA, Ezeji Alozie Aguwa, and Chairman of the Board of Delegates, Dr. Charles Iwejuo, highlighted several achievements of the group, including annual medical missions, WHO standard boreholes, rural electrification, scholarships, and digital skill empowerment projects. According to them, the Medville project is an extension of their ongoing vision to make Mbaise and Nigeria globally relevant in healthcare advancement.

The event attracted high-profile guests such as Frank Nneji (Chairman, ABC Transport), Sir Stanley Amuchie (Executive Director, Fidelity Bank PLC), Ugwumba Uche Nwosu (former Imo Commissioner for Lands), religious leaders like Bishop Simeon Okezue Nwobi (Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese), Bishop Chamberlain Ogunedo (Anglican Bishop of Mbaise), and traditional ruler Eze M.J.O. Nwaturuocha.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the diaspora that her office would fully support the Medville initiative and collaborate with relevant government bodies to ensure its realization. “This project is a rallying point for every Nigerian abroad who wishes to make a lasting impact,” she concluded.

For more compelling stories on diaspora impact and transformational development in Nigeria, visit fasnewsng.com.

By Folake Sokoya