Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has donated ₦10 million to the Catholic Maternity Hospital, Moniaya, in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, describing the decades-old facility as a vital lifeline for mothers and newborns in the area.

Obi, who disclosed this during a visit to the hospital, said he left Enugu early on Saturday for Ogoja/Yala Local Government Area, where the maternity facility was his first stop.

He said the hospital, despite its age and limited resources, remains virtually the only maternity hospital serving the Ogoja area and continues to provide healthcare to thousands of women and newborns.

The former governor expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates, stressing that the statistics represent preventable deaths and families whose lives are permanently altered by the loss of mothers and children.

According to him, the hospital’s role extends beyond maternity services, as it also operates a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre, providing healthcare services that are becoming increasingly scarce.

Obi said his ₦10 million donation was intended as a modest contribution towards supporting the hospital’s work, while assuring the management of his continued partnership.

He also called on governments at all levels, the private sector and well-meaning Nigerians to support healthcare and educational institutions operated by voluntary and faith-based organisations.

“Investing in healthcare and education is investing in our future,” Obi said.