Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has continued the functionalisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state under Project Ekwueme, with the official inauguration of the Alaukwu Ward Primary Health Centre in Umuagu, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony in Alaukwu Ward, Omoba, Governor Otti said the retrofitting and activation of PHCs are aimed at delivering quality healthcare directly to grassroots communities.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, explained that the facilities have been upgraded to meet modern healthcare standards.
According to him, the centres are fully equipped with medical facilities comparable to what is obtainable in advanced countries, and he urged residents to take full advantage of the services.
“We are bringing healthcare to the people. If you enter this primary health centre, you will see equipment comparable to what you find in London,” he said.
“The labour room alone has facilities you would expect in a well-equipped teaching hospital.”
Governor Otti further disclosed that his administration has consistently allocated 15 per cent of the state budget to the health sector, making Abia the only state meeting the United Nations benchmark for health funding.
He also revealed that one medical doctor has been deployed to each of the 17 local government areas to supervise and strengthen the operations of primary healthcare centres across the state.
The governor urged communities to take ownership of government facilities in their areas, stressing that public infrastructure can only be sustained if residents protect and maintain it.
Also speaking, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Dennis Rowland Chinwendu, said the governor had fulfilled his responsibility by providing the facility and assured that his constituents would protect it.
He commended the governor for his numerous achievements across the state and pledged massive support for his re-election bid in 2027.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Abia State Debt Management Office, Kingsley Nwaigburu, praised Governor Otti for what he described as significant developmental strides in the state, including in Isiala Ngwa South, and urged residents to continue supporting his administration.
Earlier, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, represented by the Deputy Mayor, Vivian Obilor, applauded the governor for renovating and equipping the health centre and encouraged residents to safeguard the facility and utilise it for their healthcare needs.
The Health Administration Secretary of the LGA, Nkechi Chima, advised residents to stop patronising unqualified health practitioners and instead make use of the well-equipped primary healthcare centres.
In a vote of thanks, the Labour Party Chairman in Isiala Ngwa South LGA said Governor Otti has kept faith with his campaign promises across all sectors of the state’s economy and deserves a second term.
He urged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and encouraged youths who have attained the age of 18 to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
