Nimo General Hospital Board Inaugurated as Catholic Diocese of Awka Resumes Management

 

By O'star Eze

NIMO, April 11, 2025 – The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, inaugurated the new board of Nimo General Hospital in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, marking a pivotal step in revitalizing the healthcare facility. The ceremony, held at the hospital premises, included the handover of N35,730,817 to the board, representing the balance of a prior government donation plus accrued interest. Bishop Ezeokafor reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to restoring the hospital’s functionality for the benefit of the Nimo community.

In his address, Bishop Ezeokafor outlined the hospital’s history under the diocese’s management, which began in 2012 during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. Obi entrusted the hospital to the diocese with a N50 million donation for its rehabilitation. The diocese completed significant projects, including re-roofing and ceiling installation in the Out-Patient Department (OPD)/Administrative complex and maternity block, constructing a doctor’s lodge and security house, partially fencing the compound, refurbishing a lister generator, revitalizing a borehole, upgrading the hospital fence, and initiating reconstruction of the laboratory block, which remains incomplete. These efforts utilized N24,500,000, leaving a balance of N25,500,000, which was invested to yield N10,230,817 in interest, totaling N35,730,817 now transferred to the new board.

The bishop noted that operational challenges, including disruptions from certain community elements, led to the diocese’s withdrawal from management in 2018. However, he expressed optimism about the hospital’s future, urging the Nimo community, its leaders, and prominent individuals to support its revitalization. “We hope this fund catalyzes a new phase of development for the hospital,” he stated. “The diocese’s involvement is driven by service, not ownership, as we already manage several healthcare facilities.” He thanked the community for renewing their trust in the church.

Engr. Zeelunjo Anakpe, President-General of Nimo Town Development Union, praised the diocese for its transparent stewardship, highlighting the accrued interest as evidence of prudent financial management. He called for affordable hospital fees to ensure accessibility for all and pledged collaboration with the traditional ruler, Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi, to mobilize community support for the hospital’s growth. “We are committed to transforming this hospital into a state-of-the-art facility,” he affirmed.

Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi, the Owelle of Nimo, expressed gratitude to the diocese for resuming management and urged it to elevate Nimo General Hospital to the standard of other church-run institutions, such as St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu. He committed to renovating and re-equipping a hospital block he previously built in memory of his late brother and promised to rally other community leaders to contribute. “This hospital must deliver exceptional care to our people,” he emphasized.

Chief Paul Chidozie, a prominent Nimo indigene, pledged to construct a toilet facility for elderly patients, reflecting the community’s growing support. He joined others in commending the diocese’s efforts and expressed hope for the hospital’s revival as a vital healthcare provider in the region.

The new board chairman, who also oversees St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu, assured stakeholders that his team would leverage their experience to ensure Nimo General Hospital becomes a model of quality healthcare. “We are dedicated to replicating our successes here,” he said. The inauguration concluded with prayers and messages of goodwill, signaling renewed optimism for the hospital’s future.

The hospital’s Administrative Officer, Mrs Chidume Evelyn, a Nimo native, shared the staff’s enthusiasm for the development with Factreporters.com.ng. “We are thrilled to see the hospital coming back to life,” she said, expressing gratitude to the diocese and pledging the staff’s commitment to diligent service.