Otti Flags Off Construction of First General Hospital in Ukwa East

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the first General Hospital in Ukwa East Local Government Area. The project, located at Ohanku–Ndoki, marks a significant milestone in the area’s healthcare development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti described the project as a fulfilment of his administration’s promise to make quality healthcare accessible to every part of the state. He said the establishment of the hospital reflects his vision of building a responsive and inclusive healthcare system capable of serving both urban and rural communities.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler, HRM Eze Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, for donating the land for the project. He also acknowledged the requests presented by the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, assuring that they were receiving attention.

“I thank His Royal Majesty for his warm reception and generous support. The requests made are in order, and we are already working on Abia Palm. In no distant time, it will become functional. The issue of the 19.5 nautical miles into the high sea is also correct,” Governor Otti said.

He further disclosed that scooping work has commenced from the endpoint of the reconstructed and commissioned Ohanku Road in Aba, extending into the Ohanku community.

Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, commended Governor Otti for prioritising healthcare infrastructure beyond political affiliations. He praised the Governor’s holistic approach to healthcare delivery, noting that history would remember his administration kindly.

“This hospital will serve as a lifeline by reducing maternal and infant mortality, strengthening emergency response, improving access to quality healthcare, and restoring confidence in public institutions,” Wabara stated.

Hon. Chris Nkwonta also lauded the Governor for breaking what he described as a long-standing jinx by initiating the first General Hospital project in Ukwa East since the commissioning of a cottage hospital shortly after independence in 1961. He said good governance transcends political differences and pledged his support for initiatives that benefit the people.

The federal lawmaker appealed to the Governor to consider reviving the abandoned Abia Palm project and addressing issues concerning the Azumini River.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the project demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare across the state. He noted that 11 Primary Healthcare Centres had already been renovated and retrofitted in Ukwa East LGA as part of broader reforms.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the event as a defining moment for the people of Ndoki. He said the hospital would serve not only as a healthcare facility but also as a catalyst for development in the area.

HRM Eze Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the project as an answered prayer for the people of Ukwa East. He commended the administration’s infrastructural strides across the state.

The King of Ikwuorie community highlighted the economic benefits of the hospital and appealed for additional infrastructure, including electricity transformers and meters, smart schools, and the extension of the Ohanku Road project.

The event was attended by the former Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Okochukwu; Ambassador Okey Emuche; Chief Onuoha David Ogba (Bourdex); the Mayors of Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs; traditional rulers; women groups; party members; senior government officials; and other dignitaries.