Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday put smiles on the faces of managers of three missionary hospitals in the state when he presented them with cheques totaling N120 million. The beneficiaries are Holy Rosary, Onitsha; St. Charles Borromeo, Onitsha; and St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu.

The money is part of a strategic partnership with the church for service to the people of the state and is meant for the execution of various projects the State Government is executing in the three hospitals.

Presenting the cheques at the hospitals, Governor Obi said the partnership with the church would change the entire society and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the projects, among them a Laboratory and diagnostic Centre, Maternity, Heart Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, among others.

The governor stressed that provision of necessary infrastructural facilities and conducive environment for training of the needed manpower would enhance efficient health care delivery in the state.

In his response, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerie Okeke, attributed the success of Obi’s administration to dedication to service, prudent management of resources and holistic approach to development.

Comparing him to Apostle Paul, Okeke said Obi was living his life for the good of the people of the state, adding the he was rebuilding the ravages and reversing the backwardness suffered by the people since the civil war.

“God answered the prayer of the people through the governor as he has continued to put the collective welfare of the masses above every other consideration,” the Bishop said.

At St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, said that Obi had set a standard in Anambra State which other people in government are invited to emulate. He said the problem Anambra would have is getting somebody as good as Obi to take over from him.

The presentation of the cheques was accompanied by songs of commendation from the staff and students of the beneficiary health institutions.

•Photo: Mrs. Vivian Nwandu (1^st right); Prof. Stella Okunna (2^nd right); Gov. Peter Obi (2^nd left), presenting cheques totaling N40m to Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor (1^st left).