Bulgaria Backs Ebonyi 1,200 – Bed Hospital, Pledges Stronger Nigeria Ties

Bulgaria Backs Ebonyi 1,200-Bed Hospital, Pledges Stronger Nigeria Ties

 

 

 

The Embassy of Bulgaria in Nigeria has pledged its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and development ties with Nigeria, while expressing strong support for the proposed 1,200-bed Multi-functional University Hospital in Ebonyi State. The hospital, which will include satellite clinics and an integrated emergency medical services system, is expected to transform healthcare delivery in the state.

 

During a courtesy visit by a delegation of Bulgarian investors led by Ms. Velichka Stamenova of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Ruben Pirontchev, reaffirmed Bulgaria’s readiness to deepen development partnerships with Nigeria, especially in the health sector.

 

Describing the project as a “visionary initiative,” Pirontchev commended Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, for facilitating the collaboration. “Ambassador Omatsaye is a trusted friend of the Embassy and a highly respected personality who represents Nigeria remarkably well across Europe and beyond. The Embassy will remain fully supportive of this initiative,” he said.

 

He further stated that many experienced Bulgarian experts are ready to contribute to the project and expressed hope for regular updates to keep the Bulgarian government engaged. Pirontchev also praised the Ebonyi State Government for prioritizing healthcare delivery, noting that the initiative will not only expand access to medical services but also strengthen bilateral relations.

 

Leading the Ebonyi State delegation, Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon. Solomon Azi, highlighted that Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration places citizens’ welfare at the centre of its policies. “This project aligns with our governor’s vision to provide accessible and quality healthcare for all. The Ebonyi Government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating this partnership,” Azi said.

 

Ambassador Omatsaye outlined that the hospital would be implemented in multiple phases, from construction to furnishing and eventual management, emphasizing sustainability and quality. He disclosed that the Ebonyi State Government would provide 30 per cent counterpart funding, while Neuro Pharma Ltd and partner construction firms from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Rwanda would contribute between 40 and 70 per cent of the total investment. The project also includes staff training and knowledge transfer to ensure local capacity building.

 

“This project is not just about building a facility; it is about creating a sustainable health system that will serve the people for generations,” Omatsaye said.

 

Once completed, the 1,200-bed hospital in Ebonyi is expected to be among the largest and most advanced healthcare facilities in Nigeria and Africa, reflecting a growing trend of public-private partnerships and international cooperation aimed at improving the continent’s healthcare landscape.