By Sam Otuonye
NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Ltd., has commissioned and handed over a fully installed 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
The intervention, which is in furtherance of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure across Nigeria, is expected to significantly improve access to advanced diagnostic imaging services for millions of Nigerians across the South-East (Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States) as well as neighbouring Delta State.
The intervention involved the delivery, installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of the state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine alongside critical supporting infrastructure, including RF shielding systems, chillers, backup UPS systems, electrical installations, specialized imaging accessories, ventilation systems, CCTV and oxygen monitoring systems, intercom communication facilities, and other patient comfort technologies designed to ensure optimal operation of the facility.
Prior to the intervention, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced prolonged waiting periods, exorbitant costs, and the burden of travelling long distances in search of functional imaging centres.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the Igwe Orizu ICT Centre, NAUTH Permanent Site, Anambra State, on Friday, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, described the intervention as a strategic investment in healthcare access, diagnostic precision, and improved patient outcomes, noting that the facility aligns with the Company’s commitment to building sustainable systems and impactful national institutions.
“The installation of the MRI in NAUTH exemplifies our commitment as our intent is to build enduring institutions, sustainable systems and legacies. This intervention aligns with our conviction that access to quality healthcare underpins human dignity, longevity and economic productivity,” the GCEO stated.
He described the Company’s social investments as viable currencies that strengthen the relationship between the Company’s core mandate of providing and managing energy for Nigerians and meeting stakeholders’ expectations.
In his remarks, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said the intervention would enhance safe and precise diagnosis and treatment for patients across the South-East region.
He also commended NNPC Foundation for donating the MRI facility to the state, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for the people.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd., Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, who was represented by Chief Supply Chain Officer, NNPC Ltd., Engr. Isokariari Telema reiterated the Company’s commitment to responsive and equitable social investments aimed at positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.
“In over forty years of its existence, NNPC has stayed the course in impacting lives positively across Nigeria – supporting with infrastructural development, social amenities, educational sponsorships, and a host of other projects and initiatives that have underscored our values of Integrity, Excellence and Sustainability.”
On his part, the Chief Medical Director, NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, lauded the leadership of NNPC Ltd. for recognizing the strategic importance of healthcare to national prosperity and well-being, while assuring the Foundation of the hospital’s commitment to maximizing the MRI facility for public benefit.
”For too long, patients in our catchment area have had to travel long distance to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs. With this installation, we will eliminate that burden. NNPC Foundation has demonstrated that corporate social responsibility is not just a policy statement but a lifeline for the institutions like ours.” he concluded.
