By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in the country’s health sector as a means to address the growing trend of medical tourism.
Speaking at the 16th Annual Mbaise USA Convention in Minnesota, the minister emphasized the critical role the diaspora can play in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape and fostering national development.
During her address, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians abroad to channel their skills, resources, and expertise back to their homeland, rather than viewing countries like the United States and Europe as permanent homes. “Now is the time to invest in our communities,” she said, highlighting the need to replicate the advancements seen in diaspora communities within Nigeria. She stressed that such investments could create a cycle of growth benefiting both current and future generations.
A key highlight of the event was the minister’s official launch of the Medville Medical City project in Uvuru, Mbaise, Imo State.
Spearheaded by Mbaise USA in partnership with a consortium of investors, the initiative aims to establish an international-standard medical facility to address healthcare needs in Mbaise and beyond. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the project as a transformative step toward redefining healthcare development in Nigeria and pledged full support from both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to ensure its success.
The minister also praised the Mbaise community for their contributions to Nigeria’s development, noting their significant impact both at home and abroad. She encouraged diaspora Nigerians, particularly those of Igbo descent, to see their experiences overseas as a blueprint for local development. “By building bridges between their experiences overseas and opportunities at home, Nigerians can collectively uplift their communities and strengthen the nation’s fabric,” she stated.
The event also saw remarks from Dr. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, who commended Mbaise USA for its grassroots impact and expressed interest in future collaborations with the Medville initiative.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s call underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging diaspora resources to bolster critical sectors like healthcare, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision of fostering economic prosperity through strategic partnerships.
