Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Umuchieze Community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State has received a fully equipped healthcare centre, courtesy of the Nigerian Army.
This comes as the Abia State Ministry of Health continues to unveil newly renovated Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across various communities as part of the 200 PHCs targeted for total rehabilitation under the first phase of Governor Alex Otti’s “Project Ekwueme.”
Inaugurating the facility at Umuchieze, Governor Otti commended the Nigerian Army for its commitment to the overall well-being of the civilian population.
He described the project as “a salient proof of the intricate linkage between security and health in societal development and peace.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the Governor said the gesture aligns with the broader policy direction of his administration to provide quality healthcare services to all Abia residents.
He explained that his administration embarked on the renovation of 200 PHCs within his first 100 days in office due to the importance it attaches to residents’ well-being.
The Governor emphasized that “the nexus between health and security forms a reciprocal loop for ensuring societal stability,” adding that security also guarantees the protection of public health.
He noted that threats to health could pose significant risks to national security, as currently witnessed in parts of the country, and promised to ensure that the facility is adequately staffed.
Otti expressed satisfaction with the quality of equipment at the centre and lauded the Army for its contribution.
“This health centre, built in honour of a revered fallen soldier and traditional symbol, is a true example of visionary civil-military responsibility. It represents a great addition to our healthcare infrastructure and will serve this community to complement the government’s efforts,” he said.
“Our cross-sectoral policies include a comprehensive ecosystem of infrastructure renewal. We have commenced the renovation and equipping of general hospitals across the state, and we are constructing a specialist hospital in each of the three senatorial zones—all to ensure that Abia residents and visitors receive adequate care during health emergencies.”
He further commended the Nigerian Army and all those who contributed to the success of the project, stressing that such partnerships are crucial for driving sustainable improvements in the health sector.
The Governor therefore encouraged the Umuchieze Community “to take ownership, utilize, and protect the facility to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery.”
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Major Gen. K.O. Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, said the construction, completion, and commissioning of the health centre demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening civil-military cooperation.
He noted that the facility was named after the late Eze Reuben Oguchi Okwale in recognition of his meritorious service to the Nigerian Army before his retirement.
“This project, like others, is deliberately aimed at giving back to society and complementing infrastructural development efforts by the state, federal, and other stakeholders,” he said.
“The Nigerian Army actively fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships with local communities through such non-kinetic interventions. To this end, we have intensified efforts to contribute to community development across the country to enhance citizens’ quality of life.”
He disclosed that over 200 similar projects had been executed across the six geopolitical zones under the Army’s special civil-military cooperation initiatives and quick-impact projects.
The COAS urged the people to take ownership of the facility, maintain it, and ensure it is used properly.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of the community, HRM Eze Moses M. Okwale, commended the Army Chief for ensuring the project’s completion, which had been initiated before he assumed office.
The monarch also paid tribute to the former Chief of Army Staff, late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who initiated the project during his tenure as General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
He expressed gratitude to Maj. Gen. Aligbe for his foresight and dedication in seeing the project through to completion.
Eze Okwale described the health centre as “a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress,” which would bridge the gap in access to healthcare and essential services in the community.
He appealed to the State Government and the Nigerian Army to ensure regular supply of drugs and to construct staff quarters for doctors and nurses.
The facility is fully powered by a 3,200-watt solar system and features a 132-metre borehole, a fully equipped computer centre, and modern medical units including a maternity ward with delivery and recovery rooms, surgical theatre, pharmacy, family planning units, male and female wards, children’s ward, spacious reception, green area for patient recovery, perimeter fencing, and interlocked pavements.
Highlights of the inauguration included a guided tour of the facility led by the Director of Medical Services at the Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr. Borke Okwale.
It should be recalled that within the past week, the Commissioner for Health unveiled several newly completed PHCs across various communities, urging residents to take ownership of the facilities.
