Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has renewed his call for increased investment in education and healthcare, insisting that no nation can achieve meaningful development without strengthening the institutions that produce skilled professionals and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Obi made the remarks during a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences, Holy Rosary Hospital, Emekuku, in Imo State, where he donated ₦15 million to support the institution’s academic and infrastructural development.

The former Anambra State governor said the visit was part of his continuing engagement with educational and healthcare institutions across the country, which he described as critical pillars for national development and poverty reduction.

Addressing students, management and staff of the institution, Obi said healthcare workers occupy a unique place in society because of their indispensable role in preserving human life and supporting economic productivity.

“The world needs you more than you need the world because healthcare is one of humanity’s most fundamental needs,” he told the students, urging them to remain committed to excellence and service.

He argued that countries that have made significant development strides did so by prioritising investments in human capital, particularly in sectors such as health and education, which directly impact the welfare of citizens.

Obi expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the institution since his previous visit, particularly the development of its computer laboratory, which he had earlier supported.

He said the improvements were evidence that targeted investments in education can yield measurable and lasting results when properly managed.

Reflecting on similar interventions he had made in other healthcare institutions, Obi cited Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital and Borromeo Hospital, noting that both facilities had grown into teaching hospitals over the years.

According to him, their transformation demonstrates the long-term value of sustained support for institutions that provide essential services to the public.

“I look forward to seeing Holy Rosary Hospital attain the same status,” he said.

The former governor said Nigeria’s future depends on building strong institutions capable of producing competent professionals, creating opportunities for young people and expanding access to quality healthcare and education.

He added that investments in critical sectors should take precedence over wasteful spending if the country hopes to reduce poverty and accelerate development.

“Our vision must be to build a Nigeria where functional institutions produce competent professionals, where investments are directed to critical sectors that lift people out of poverty, and where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed,” Obi stated.

Reiterating his long-standing message of merit, opportunity and inclusive development, he said Nigeria must become a country where success is determined by talent, hard work and equal opportunity rather than social connections or privilege.

“That is how we will build a nation where the son of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.