Minister Bianca Ojukwu Urges Diaspora Nigerians to ‘Think Home’, Backs $3 Billion Medville Medical City in Mbaise

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to invest their expertise, capital, and innovation back into their home communities, stating that such actions are vital for sustainable national growth.

Speaking at the four-day Annual Convention of Mbaise USA an umbrella body representing the Mbaise people of Imo State in the United States Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu hailed the diasporan community as a powerful force for national development. She applauded the Mbaise people for their contributions to Nigeria while excelling in their host countries, particularly the United States.

The Minister threw her full support behind the proposed Medville Medical City a world-class medical complex being initiated in Mbaise through a partnership between Mbaise USA and international investors. She described the $3 billion initiative as a landmark project that could redefine healthcare delivery in Nigeria while spurring broader infrastructure development.

While appreciating the opportunities Nigerians have enjoyed abroad, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that it was time to replicate such progress at home. “The progress we witness in diaspora communities must serve as a blueprint for local development,” she said. “By bridging their overseas experience with domestic opportunities, Nigerians can uplift their communities and strengthen the fabric of our nation.”

Also speaking at the event, Lady Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor and a proud daughter of Mbaise, commended the leadership of Mbaise USA for giving the community a global voice. She stated that the Abia State government was open to future partnerships with Mbaise USA to advance economic and infrastructural development in Igbo land.

In his remarks, Ezeji Alozie Aguwa, National President of Mbaise USA, highlighted several impactful initiatives spearheaded by the organization including annual medical missions, educational scholarships, skills acquisition programs, and WHO-standard water projects. The association is also pioneering a digital economy push through plans for technology hubs.

Dr. Nancy Akunna, initiator of the Medville Medical City, envisioned the project as a hub for top-tier medical care, education, and entrepreneurship a transformative blueprint for holistic development in Mbaise and beyond.

Chairing the 2025 Mbaise USA Convention, Dr. Emma Njoku of the Barrister Emma Njoku Foundation called on Mbaise indigenes to become core investors in the project, urging them to help raise the $3 billion funding target by 2030.

Echoing this call, Ochiagha Sunny Echendu, President Emeritus of Mbaise USA, emphasized the urgent need for collective commitment. “The dream of a medical city that can serve as both a referral hospital and a trigger for regional development is a mission all Mbaise people must rally behind,” he concluded.