From Boniface Nwankwo
On Friday, October 10, 2025, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, received a delegation of health investors from Neuro Pharma Limited, Bulgaria, at his office in Ochoudo City, Abakaliki.
The visiting team consisted of:
1. Velichika Dimitrova Stamenova Petrich – Team Lead
2. Amb. Dr. Young Piero Omatseye
3. Manyo Atanasov Bairov Panaguyruste
4. Seka-Heka Franck Gasana
5. Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair
6. Engr. Ronald Ajiboye
7. Alper Atasoy, among others.
The delegation’s visit was in response to an invitation from the Ebonyi State Government to explore a potential partnership in establishing a state-of-the-art 1,200-bed capacity multifunctional hospital in the state.
Following detailed discussions, the Ebonyi State Government and Neuro Pharma Limited formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, marking a significant milestone in the state’s health development drive.
The proposed 1,200-bed ultramodern hospital will significantly expand Ebonyi’s healthcare infrastructure, decongest existing facilities, and reduce referrals outside the state.
This investment addresses long-standing gaps in tertiary and specialist care within the region.
Envisioned as a high-tech hospital, the facility will incorporate specialized clinics, diagnostic centers, and integrated emergency services, enabling Ebonyians to access advanced surgeries, imaging, and emergency interventions locally.
The hospital’s construction and operations will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, energizing the state’s economy and empowering communities.
The facility will offer opportunities for postgraduate training and medical research collaborations, strengthening human capital development, retaining skilled professionals, and raising the standard of healthcare education in Ebonyi State.
The involvement of Neuro Pharma Limited, a reputable European firm, alongside the support of the Bulgarian Embassy, underscores the deepening of bilateral relations and will promote technology transfer, global best practices, and investor confidence in the state’s health sector.
The collaboration will also bolster Ebonyi’s capacity to manage disease outbreaks, disasters, and medical emergencies through an integrated Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system.
This will significantly enhance public health readiness and reduce preventable deaths.
Upon completion, the hospital’s advanced facilities and high standards of care are expected to attract patients from neighboring states and beyond, positioning Ebonyi as a medical tourism hub in Nigeria and across Africa and opening new revenue streams for the state.
With this partnership complementing the massive health investments already recorded under Governor Nwifuru’s administration, Ebonyi State is steadily emerging as a reference point in healthcare excellence and innovation.
Indeed, it is only a matter of time before Ebonyi becomes the hub of medical tourism not just in Nigeria, but across the African continent.
Dr. Boniface Nwankwo is the
Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Documentation.
