The Embassy of Bulgaria in Nigeria has endorsed the proposed 1,200-bed Multifunctional University Hospital in Ebonyi State, describing it as a visionary initiative that underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through strategic international collaboration.
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 his country’s readiness to deepen development partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in the health sector.
Pirontchev praised the project’s facilitator and Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, describing him as “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,” Pirontchev said. “We have many experienced Bulgarian experts who are eager to contribute to meaningful projects such as this. I look forward to receiving updates as the project progresses so that we can keep our government informed and engaged.”
He commended the Ebonyi State Government for prioritising healthcare delivery, noting that the hospital would not only expand access to quality medical care but also strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Bulgaria. He expressed interest in visiting Ebonyi soon, adding that he had heard “many wonderful things about the state.”
Leading the Ebonyi delegation, the Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon Solomon Azi, said Governor Francis Nwifuru places the welfare of citizens at the heart of his administration’s agenda.
“Our governor is deeply passionate about the health needs of the people,” Azi said. “This project aligns with his vision to provide accessible and quality healthcare for every citizen. The Ebonyi Government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating this partnership.”
Ambassador Omatsaye explained that the hospital project would be implemented in phases—from construction to equipping and eventual management—to ensure quality and sustainability.
He disclosed that the 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 would also include staff training and knowledge transfer to build local capacity.
“This is not just about building a facility,” Omatsaye said. “It’s about creating a sustainable health system that will serve the people for generations. With the government’s commitment and the Embassy’s support, we are confident of its successful completion.”
Ms Stamenova, Team Lead of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that Ebonyi was chosen based on strong recommendations and the state government’s enthusiasm.
“It’s a major project that covers every aspect of modern healthcare,” she said. “We are confident that, with the support of the Bulgarian Embassy and our Nigerian partners, this hospital will stand as a model for medical excellence in Africa.”
When completed, the 1,200-bed hospital is expected to be one of the largest and most advanced health facilities in Nigeria and Africa, reflecting a growing trend of public-private partnerships and international cooperation aimed at transforming the continent’s healthcare landscape.
