Please Change to Title Case Gov Eno Commissions Two New Health Centres, Assures on More People-Oriented Projects

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured that his administration will continue to deliver on more people-oriented projects, to bolster the implementation of the Arise Agenda. 

Governor Eno gave the assurance on Friday during the commissioning of a Model Primary Health Centre constructed in Abiakana, Ika Local Government Area and another Health Center at Udung Uko local government area. 

The projects are among the series of rural health care projects executed in the first phase of the one-project per local government scheme of his administration. 

At Ika, the Governor represented by the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Rt. Hon. Udo Kerian, noted that the construction of the Model Health Centre is in fulfillment of the promise Governor Eno made on assumption of office to have a primary health centre, and a model primary school in all the local government areas in the State, adding that five(5) of the centers had so far been inaugurated, with many others at various stages of completion. 

“This structure is not an empty building, it is equipped with all the necessary equipments to provide qualitative primary healthcare to the people of this area."

“So you don’t need to go to Abak or anywhere, all you need is here and very soon, we will come back to commission other projects in Ika executed by government of Pastor Umo Eno.”

“I listened to the Executive Chairman, he mentioned that a road contract has recently been awarded in Ika which is an indicator that this government is committed to the wellbeing of Ika people." 

“As for empowerment, this Government is carrying-out empowerment everyday and whatever is happening in other local government areas is being replicated in Ika. When I return to Uyo, I’ll tell His Excellency that Ika people have affirmed their support to him come 2027.”

“Like Gabriel Toby said, we have a bragging right today because Governor Umo Eno has exceeded the expectations of our people and even those in the opposition are applauding him because of the work he is doing on the ground”, he added. 

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Martins Akpan, thanked the Governor for prioritizing the health needs of Akwa Ibom people, urging the people to take ownership of the project. 

According to him, “we are full of gratitude to the Governor for prioritizing primary health care and beaming his searchlight on this sector. Constantly he feels the pulse, diagnosing the problem and giving timely therapeutic measures to meet the health care needs of the people. I urge the people of Ika to take ownership of this Centre. Five have been commissioned so far and very soon, Akwa Ibom State will be rated as the best in primary health delivery in the country.”

The Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr). Utibe Nwoko, appreciated the Governor for the commissioning of the ARISE Model Primary Health Centre in Abiakana Village, describing it as a testament to Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to rural healthcare development. 

He added that the facility will undoubtedly improve access to quality healthcare for Ika people, pledging that the people of the area will deliver one hundred percent votes to ensure the re-election of the Governor in 2027 which he affirmed will ensure the continuation of an eight-year journey of impactful governance in Akwa Ibom State.

Goodwill messages were received from the Political Leader of Ika, Uwemedimo Nwoko,SAN; Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Safety, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby and the Paramount Ruler of Ika LGA, His Royal Majesty Edidem Joseph Okosi Ekot, who all pledged their support for the reelection of Governor Eno. 

At the Model Primary Healthcare Center in Udung Uko, the  governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Essiet, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare to rural communities.

He emphasized that the project symbolized the administration’s vision of improving healthcare infrastructure across the state.

He said the facility would not only improve the health status of the people but also ease the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare centers. 

He called on the people of Udung Uko to take ownership of the facility, ensuring its proper maintenance and utilization.

"This health center represents our administration’s commitment to making healthcare services more accessible," the Governor’s Rep said. 

"We are fostering a culture of wellness and prevention, which is critical for rural development."

He also highlighted that the Udung Uko facility was the fourth model primary healthcare center commissioned in the state, with others at various stages of completion, and assured that the initiative would continue until all 31 local government areas had similar facilities.

The Governor reiterated his programme for a ‘Medical Corridor’ between the Ibom Multi-Specialty Hospital in Itam and the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene. 

This initiative aims to enhance specialized medical care within the state and curb medical tourism abroad.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Udung Uko LGA, Elder Godwin Okponung, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people. 

He described the health center as a magnificent facility that would significantly reduce the health challenges faced by residents. 

Other dignitaries at the event, including Rt. Hon. Kenim Onofiok, the Member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, and the Political Leader of Udung Uko, Ikpoto Okon Osung, who all commended the governor for his healthcare vision. 

Traditional rulers and local government officials also lauded the project, describing it as a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the area.