Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare to residents across the state.
This came as he commissioned a Model Primary Health Centre in Mbiaso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umo Essien, described the project as a significant milestone in the state’s drive toward improved healthcare and human capital development.
Highlighting the historical role of the Methodist Church Nigeria in healthcare development, Prof. Essien recalled that the church established the first health post in Ikot Ekpene in 1905, which later became the General Hospital.
He explained that the newly commissioned health facility, built 120 years after the establishment of the first health post, was designed to provide modern primary healthcare services comparable to those available at the General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene.
Prof. Essien stated that the centre, strategically located in Mbiaso — a name which translates to “health workers” or “doctors” in Ibibio — is expected to serve over 25 villages across Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.
“What we have here can take care of everything from general immunization to male circumcision, from malaria to pneumonia, and from pregnancy to all kinds of emergencies,” he noted, disclosing that qualified doctors and nurses had already been deployed to the facility, while an ambulance donated by the constituency’s House member would strengthen emergency healthcare response.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, expressed appreciation to the Governor for citing the health facility in Mbiaso and thanked the Methodist Church for donating the land for the project.
The Council Chairman, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Affiong Nkom, also commended the Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Otu, for providing an ambulance to support operations at the health centre.
Hon. Nkom further appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents for their cooperation and support during the execution of the project. He lauded the Governor for other ongoing development initiatives in Ikot Ekpene, including the international market project, road infrastructure, and the proposed trailer park, assuring him of the continued support of the people.
Providing an overview of the facility, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, applauded Governor Eno for “walking the talk” in healthcare delivery through impactful projects across the state.
The Health Commissioner urged residents to take full advantage of the modern healthcare services provided at the facility and appealed to expectant mothers to desist from patronizing unregulated traditional birth attendants due to the associated health risks.
He further encouraged local government authorities and community leaders to intensify awareness of the State Health Insurance Scheme to enable more residents access affordable healthcare services.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, Okuku Udo Ukut, and the Village Head of Mbiaso Nto Obodom, Etteidung Daniel Johnson Umo Essien, conveyed the gratitude of the people to the State Government for responding to the healthcare needs of the community.
In separate goodwill messages, stakeholders, including the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien; Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong; Chairman of Ibom Power Company, Engr. Etido Inyang; and the House of Assembly member for Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu, commended Governor Eno for translating the ARISE Agenda into tangible projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
Engr. Etido Inyang observed that residents previously faced transportation difficulties in accessing healthcare services in Ikot Ekpene metropolis, noting that the new facility and improved road network connecting Mbiaso to neighbouring communities would greatly ease access to healthcare services.
