By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Embassy of Bulgaria in Nigeria has disclosed its commitment towards deepening diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

This is also as it expressed strong support for the proposed 1,200-bed Multifunctional University Hospital in Ebonyi State, which will include associated clinics and an integrated emergency medical services system.

It expressed hope that the project, when completed, would revolutionize Nigeria?s health sector.

Describing the project as a visionary initiative, the Embassy noted that it reflects Nigeria?s increasing commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through strategic international collaboration.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Bulgarian investors led by Ms. Velichka Stamenova of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, the Charg? d?Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Ruben Pirontchev, reaffirmed Bulgaria?s readiness to deepen its development partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in the health sector.

Pirontchev lauded the project?s facilitator and Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, whom he described as ?a trusted friend of the Embassy? and ?a highly respected, well-connected personality who represents Nigeria remarkably well across Europe and beyond.?

?The Embassy will remain fully supportive of this initiative,? Pirontchev said.

?We have many experienced Bulgarian experts who are eager to contribute to meaningful projects such as this. I look forward to receiving updates as the project progresses so that we can keep our government informed and engaged.?

The Bulgarian envoy commended the Ebonyi State Government for prioritizing healthcare delivery, noting that the project will not only improve medical access but also strengthen Nigeria-Bulgaria relations.

He expressed his desire to visit Ebonyi soon, adding that he had heard ?many wonderful things about the state.?

Leading the Ebonyi State delegation, the Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon. Solomon Azi, emphasized that Governor Francis Nwifuru places people?s welfare at the core of his administration.

?Our governor is deeply passionate about the health needs of the people,? Azi said.

?This project is in line with his vision to provide accessible and quality healthcare to every citizen.

?The Ebonyi Government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating this partnership,? he added.

On his part, Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye explained that the hospital project would be implemented in multiple phases, from foundation to furnishing and eventual management to ensure quality and sustainability.

He disclosed that the Ebonyi State Government would provide 30% counterpart funding, while Neuro Pharma Ltd and partner construction firms from Bulgaria ,Turkey and Rwanda would contribute between 40% and 70% of the total investment. The project, he noted, would also include staff training and knowledge transfer to ensure local capacity building.

?This is not just about building a facility,? Omatsaye said.

?It?s about creating a sustainable health system that can serve the people for generations. With the government?s commitment and the Embassy?s support, we are confident this project will be successfully completed,? he stated.

The Ebonyi 1,200-bed hospital project is expected to be one of the largest and most advanced health facilities in Nigeria and Africa upon completion, reflecting a growing trend of public-private partnerships and international cooperation aimed at improving Africa?s healthcare landscape.

?L-R: Ebonyi State Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Solomon Azi and Charg? d?Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy Abuja, Mr Ruben Pirontchev, at the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja on Thursday. Photo: Ebonyi State Government

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