Governor Chukwuma Soludo has called on Nigerians, especially the affluent, to emulate the philanthropic gestures of Sir Emeka Offor, stating that such interventions are vital for national development.
The governor made the remarks during the symbolic distribution of 40-foot containers of medical books and journals to tertiary institutions across Nigeria, an initiative sponsored by Sir Emeka Offor through his foundation.
Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare, stating that primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare are receiving attention simultaneously, thereby engendering a robust health system.
He praised Sir Emeka Offor for his consistent and impactful interventions, noting that the businessman’s contributions extend beyond human capital development to various sectors nationwide.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic challenges when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, Governor Soludo asserted that without removing the fuel subsidy, the Nigerian economy would have collapsed entirely, highlighting the subsequent call for palliatives from private individuals and governments at all levels.
He recalled that Sir Emeka Offor answered the call by donating over 200,000 bags of rice, describing it as the kind of response needed in challenging times.
The governor framed such philanthropy as a legacy issue, adding that people should live to matter through the impacts they leave behind.
Issuing a direct appeal, Governor Soludo called on Nigerians to mobilize themselves and emulate Sir Emeka Offor by doing something, no matter how small, stressing that a tripartite partnership is essential for national progress — a partnership between the federal government, sub-national governments, and the private sector to move Nigeria forward.
The Governor concluded by describing Sir Emeka Offor’s interventions as “truly progressive” and thanked the people of Anambra State for renewing his administration’s mandate to continue its work.
Earlier, the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, hinted that President Tinubu’s government is committed to touching the lives of Nigerians, pointing out that health depends on people, commending Sir Offor for leading the way, and calling on others to emulate his good gestures.
Sir Emeka Offor emphasized that the books, which are current medical books and journals from the United States of America, will go to selected federal tertiary medical institutions across the six geopolitical zones.
He added that they are provided free of cost to strengthen the learning environment of medical schools and teaching hospitals, improve access to up-to-date academic resources, and support the training of the next generation of Nigerian doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
The symbolic presentation of the books and a tour of the warehouse formed the high point of the event.
