Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has commended the Seraphic Homes Foundation for building a N600 million psychiatric hospital and old people’s home in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Obi described the project, undertaken by the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMOM) under the leadership of its Spiritual Director, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, as a “noble initiative to serve humanity.”
In a statement released by his media aide, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, in Awka on Saturday, the former Labour Party presidential candidate said mental health must be taken seriously. He recalled that during his tenure as governor, his administration invested in the state-owned Nawfia Psychiatric Hospital in Njikoka LGA by providing modern buildings and equipment.
Obi dismissed the misconception that psychiatric facilities cast communities in a negative light, stressing that such investments were vital in societies that genuinely cared for their people.
He cited a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report which revealed that over 20 million Nigerians currently live with mental health challenges caused by economic hardship and stress.
Obi also raised concerns about rising drug abuse among youths, recommending that secondary school students should visit psychiatric facilities to better understand the dangers of substance abuse.
Praising the facility—which will provide free services—Obi said the elderly care component was particularly commendable, as it restores dignity and respect to senior citizens often neglected in society.
He emphasised that caring for the aged is not merely charity but a moral duty and a true measure of humanity. Obi also encouraged the foundation’s director to sustain his commitment to a better Nigeria, while calling for increased attention to mental health and elderly care nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, inaugurated the N600 million facility on Friday. The hospital, located in Aguleri, is designed to provide free psychiatric care, including diagnosis, treatment, medication, rehabilitation, accommodation, and welfare.
Barely five months ago, the Foundation also opened a massive orphanage and old people’s home in Mgbirichi, Owerri, Imo State.
Foundation Director, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, said the initiative was a childhood vision aimed at touching lives across the country. He disclosed that the psychiatric hospital will commence full operations in October.
