L-R: Ebonyi State Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon Solomon Azi, Ms Velichika Stamenova of Neuro Pharma LTD Bulgaria, Chargé d’Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy Abuja,Mr Ruben Pirontchev and Africa Coordinator Jet Age Nation Builders, Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye during their visit to the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja on Thursday.
By Anietie Akpan
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Bulgarian Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Ruben Pirontchev, has commended Ambassador Young Piero Omatsaye, Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s global image and fostering international partnerships.
Pirontchev described Omatsaye as “a very good friend of the Embassy” and “a highly respected, well-connected personality who represents Nigeria remarkably well, not only at home but across Europe and beyond.”
The diplomat spoke in Abuja when he received a team of Bulgarian investors led by Ms. Velichka Stamenova of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, who are partnering with the Ebonyi State Government on a 1,200-bed hospital project in Abakaliki.
Pirontchev said the Bulgarian government was committed to supporting development projects that promote public welfare, particularly in the health sector.
“We have many outstanding Bulgarian experts who are always eager to share their knowledge and experience in meaningful projects such as this”.
“The Embassy will remain fully supportive, and I will be delighted to receive updates as the project progresses so I can keep our government informed.”
The envoy commended the Ebonyi health initiative, noting that it would benefit citizens and deepen relations between Nigeria and Bulgaria.
He also expressed interest in visiting Ebonyi soon, saying he had “heard many wonderful things” about the state.
Ambassador Omatsaye, who facilitated the project, said the hospital was originally proposed for Rwanda but was moved to Nigeria because of the country’s readiness and government support.
“We have the capacity, the numbers, and the backing of government,” he said adding, “it is a counterpart-funded investment — 30 per cent from the state government and between 30 and 40 per cent from Neuro Pharma and its construction partners.”
He said the project would be executed in four to five phases over six to 15 years, covering construction, furnishing, equipment installation, and staff training.
“We are not just building a hospital; we are building people,” he said. “Neuro Pharma will bring in experts to manage the facility while training local staff. The private sector will work with government to sustain it before eventual handover.”
Omatsaye added that the Bulgarian Embassy would remain a key partner throughout the process, revealing that a meeting between Pirontchev and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru would hold before the end of November.
The Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Hon. Solomon Azi, who represented the Ebonyi State Government, said Governor Nwifuru placed high priority on health and people-centered development.
“Our governor is running a people-focused government,” Azi said noting, “he doesn’t joke with anything that concerns the welfare of the people. That’s why we welcome this project ,it will address the health needs of our people.”
On her part, Ms. Velichka Stamenova, Team Lead of Neuro Pharma Group Ltd, said Ebonyi was chosen based on positive recommendations and readiness.
“It’s a big hospital for 1,200 beds,” she said. “We need the support of the Bulgarian Embassy and the Nigerian partners to implement it successfully. We are confident this project will make a real impact.”
The Ebonyi health project is expected to serve as a model for public private partnerships in Nigeria’s health sector and a new milestone in Nigeria-Bulgaria relations.
