Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to help curb the growing trend of medical tourism by investing in Nigeria’s health sector.
She also urged Nigerians abroad not to regard the United States and Europe as their permanent homes but to channel their skills, resources, and experiences back to their roots to help foster development.
A statement on Thursday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, said she made the appeal at the 16th Annual Mbaise USA Convention in Minnesota, where she officially flagged off the construction of the Medville Medical City in Uvuru, Mbaise, Imo State—a project spearheaded by the Nigerian diaspora community.
“Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu challenged Nigerians in the diaspora to end the current spate of medical tourism by their compatriots.
“She also implored them not to see the United States of America and Europe as their ‘permanent homes,’ but to begin to take proactive steps in replicating in their respective communities in Nigeria, the development and infrastructure they enjoyed in their places of residence abroad.
“She emphasised the importance of channelling the skills, resources, and innovative spirit acquired abroad back to their homeland, as well as fostering a cycle of growth that benefits both present and future generations,” the statement read.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the progress recorded in diaspora communities should serve as a blueprint for local development, inspiring purposeful investments and initiatives in Nigeria.
“By building bridges between their experiences overseas and opportunities at home, Nigerians can collectively uplift their communities and strengthen the nation’s fabric,” she stated.
The minister praised the efforts of Mbaise USA in supporting national development, particularly in healthcare, and said such initiatives align with the current administration’s foreign policy thrust of Democracy, Diaspora, Demography, and Development and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She described the Medville Medical City as a “legacy project” capable of revolutionising healthcare delivery in Nigeria while placing Mbaise and the country on the global map of medical excellence.
“I congratulate the brain behind this vision, Dr. Nancy Akunna, for her foresight, brilliance, dedication, resilience, and patriotic zeal,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured all full support from both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government and pledged that her office would work closely with stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the project.
Also speaking at the event, the wife of Abia State Governor, Dr. Priscilla Otti, commended Mbaise USA for its grassroots impact and development-driven agenda. She expressed interest in future collaborations with the Medville initiative.
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