Healthcare is a Right, Not a Privilege – Gov. Otti Hails Abia Diaspora Medical Outreach

Umuahia, 19 December 2025 – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all residents, emphasizing that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Speaking at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, on Friday, Governor Otti welcomed a medical team from the Abia State Diaspora Commission, led by Chairman Okey Agbara, who were in the State on a medical outreach mission.

Governor Otti noted that the State’s significant investment in healthcare is aimed at improving the health and well-being of the people, rather than generating financial returns. He said, “We spend on healthcare knowing fully well that the returns may not come in Naira or Dollars, but in the health and lives of our people. If you don’t have health, you don’t have anything. Healthcare is a right, and no one should be denied it because they cannot afford it.”

The Governor expressed gratitude to the Diaspora Commission for supporting the State’s efforts, encouraging them to extend the medical outreach. “If you have achieved this much in a few days, just imagine what could happen if you stayed another week or two. We will provide all the support needed,” he stated.

Governor Otti also commended the Chairman of the Diaspora Commission, Okey Agbara, Executive Secretary Rev. Dr. Annie Onu, members of the medical team, and the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, for their dedication to improving healthcare delivery in Abia.

Speaking earlier, Prof. Uche highlighted the achievements of the Governor’s health interventions this year, which include free medical outreaches, health insurance schemes, and collaborations with global health organizations. He disclosed that over 10,000 adults have benefited from the State’s medical initiatives, with more than 120 surgeries performed. “In just five days, many lives have been transformed. People who might have faced critical health outcomes now have a chance to live and fulfill their destiny,” he said.

Chairman Okey Agbara, while addressing the audience, praised Governor Otti’s commitment to development and quality healthcare. He noted that the Diaspora Commission has initiated a universal healthcare program and has been training healthcare professionals, including CPR skills, to support the State’s healthcare agenda.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, and members of the Abia State Diaspora Commission.