Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has functionalised the Okpuhu Nkpa and Umuenyere Alayi Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Bende Local Government Area, bringing the total number of functionalised PHCs to 42. The remaining eight, he assured, will be ready within the next week to complete the 50 centres scheduled for activation this September under the first phase of Project Ekwueme.
Speaking at the events, Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the initiative ends more than two decades of neglect in the state’s healthcare system. He noted that the administration is not merely renovating PHCs, but equipping them with modern, world-class facilities.
“These PHCs are furnished with multi-parameter monitors, automatic external defibrillators, auto-analysers, incubators, oxygen delivery devices, and fully equipped delivery rooms with life-support systems for both mother and child,” he said.
Otti also revealed that approval has been granted to establish an Isolation Centre at the historic Uzuakoli Leprosy Centre. He stressed the government’s resolve to reduce Nigeria’s contribution to global maternal mortality, which currently stands at 29%, warning that both traditional birth attendants and those who patronise them will face sanctions.
“One of the major causes of maternal deaths is delivery by unskilled workers. With these functionalised PHCs and trained personnel, women no longer need to risk their lives with unqualified attendants,” he declared.
In his remarks, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity and an indigene of Alayi, said the community is proud that Otti is fulfilling his promises. The Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, added that 16 PHCs are being renovated in the council area alone, describing the governor’s actions as a mission to change decades of decay.
Top health officials, including Dr. Ulu Kalu Ulu of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and Dr. Chiedozie Egwuonwu of the Health Insurance Agency, lauded the governor’s commitment to making healthcare functional, accessible, and affordable. They urged residents to register under the community-based health insurance scheme to enjoy full benefits of the facilities.
Community leaders, including Mrs. Glory Ihedigbo, Eze Ignatious Uche of Umuenyere Alayi, and Mr. Akachukwu Okorie, Vice President of the Umuenyere Alayi Development Union, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and pledged to safeguard the facilities while supporting his administration.
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