By Ben Atonko
Oftentimes, Southeastern Nigeria is in the news for bad reason(s).
The place is notorious for banditry, criminality and mostly, insurgency occasioned by activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In the midst of all this though, a quiescent revolution is ongoing in the medical field. It is inspiring to see progress and innovation thriving despite adversity.
The centre of this is the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Akamili, Nnewi North, Anambra State.
A visit to that facility leaves one awestruck by the sheer size and ambition of the project.
I never ever thought I would have cause to go to Akamili. But an incident involving my younger brother took me there.
My brother, who suffered severe workplace accident injuries was taken to the medical facility for definitive care. However, when the company abandoned him, I had to step in to oversee his full treatment and welfare.
Upon arrival on Oct. 1, I was struck by the gargantuan medical facility – the calmness and cleanliness were a far cry from what one would typically find in public hospitals in Nigeria.
How it started
The land on which the hospital is situated was disputed among three communities. Many folks lost their lives in the process of laying claim to the land.
I was told that the father of renowned billionaire and philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor was gruesomely murdered on the land.
Government stepped in by declaring the place a buffer zone.
By government’s declaration, order and stability ensued. The three warring communities ceased hostilities.
Government then announced the siting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital there.
This hospital is likely one of West Africa’s largest medical facilities by land size.
Good enough, structures are fast springing up.
The magic wand
I wondered what made it possible for such massive buildings to sprout up on the land, so I asked around.
This I gathered, was simply by community engagement. Government convinced the people to take the university project as theirs and own it.
For this reason, many well-to-do individuals came forward to invest in the hospital.
As I write, many projects sponsored by philanthropists have been executed, and many more are under construction.
Buildings are named after their builders like Prince Arthur Eze Mother and Child Complex, Sir Emeka Offor Medical Complex, Prof. O. O. Mbonu Surgical Ward, and Prof. O. C. Ikpeze Antenatal Clinic. Dr. Cletus Ibeto is constructing a hostel apartment for staff of the hospital.
As a result, the burden of developing the ambitious hospital is a shared responsibility and work has been going on without cessation.
By the time more people of goodwill step into the initiative, the place will be fully built in a short time. This project is not likely to suffer uncompleted works phenomenon seen nearly everywhere in Nigeria.
Living up to its billing
Currently, the hospital is offering specialized and expert-level treatment — high-quality care that addresses patients’ complex needs.
While there, I saw management doing the training of medical students with all seriousness. I saw dedication to service, commitment to duty and adherence to work ethics.
If politicians will allow
All that’s needed now is sustained good management and unwavering dedication from the workforce.
If politicians would always ensure that people of good standing, people with requisite knowledge, orientation and composure are appointed to manage the place, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital could shine as a medical tourism hub in West Africa.
Though I left Eastern Nigeria with bitter feelings due to my brother’s treatment by Okija-based Hammakopp Consortium Ltd., I have since gained a valuable perspective that I would like to share with Nigerians, particularly those in the north.
They should not only cling to public offices, leech them and go to foreign lands to pray.
Dreams about social change and development should be pursued to logical conclusion.
Seemingly overwhelming and intractable problems can be turned into positives like the land problem that plagued Akamili for decades but today has turned out to be a wonder.
As it is said, every cloud has a silver lining.
The Azikiwe Varsity Hospital’s story is a testament to what can be achieved through community engagement and shared vision.
As Nigeria pursues social change and development, this project serves as a shining example.
