Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a 62-bed capacity General Hospital with 2.2km access and internal roads in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
This secondary healthcare facility, initiated 16 years ago as a cottage hospital, languished in neglect until Governor Eno’s administration intervened, breathing new life into the project as part of his comprehensive efforts to revamp and reposition Akwa Ibom’s healthcare sector.
Inaugurating the hospital at Ikot Akpan Nkuk, headquarters of the Local Government Area, Governor Eno commended the people for their great sense of appreciation of good things.
“I feel so impressed by your deep recognition of the fact that God has done something for you today. This development is not about political parties because sickness does not recognise political parties,” he noted.
Governor Eno further acknowledged and appreciated their unanimity in appreciating what is good, noting that “This place was abandoned for over 16 years until God now used us to realise this world-class health facility for the good of the people.”
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He declared that his administration is determined to complete abandoned projects that have benefits for the people.
The Governor reiterated his divine mandate for reconciliation and peace, distancing himself from divisive politics. He instructed the Health Commissioner to expedite the establishment of state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dialysis facilities at the hospital, targeting completion within the next 90 days, underscoring his administration’s unwavering focus on healing and service.
According to the Governor, the MRI and dialysis facilities are very necessary in the new hospital so that people do not have to travel to Uyo; they can access the services.
“This is another axis of Akwa Ibom. So, let an MRI machine be here. I don’t know how it is, but we must provide it. Dialysis centre should be here to take care of the people because there are a lot of kidney-related issues nowadays,” he said.
The state chief executive assured the people that his administration is giving its all to ensure that rural development takes priority in the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno also approved the construction of the 18.96-kilometre Ikot Ibritam–Mbiaso–Inen Ekefe–Ikot Akpan Afaha Road.
“We are building 31 cottage hospitals and 31 model primary schools, among others, across the State to make life comfortable and development accessible to our people in the rural areas.”
He revealed that towards the end of the year, his administration will flag off the Ikot Ekpene International Market to boost the business and economic status of the people.
“We are also building a brand new jetty in Oron with the necessary ferry boats to ease the people’s transportation and ignite more business activities and job opportunities in the area,” he added.
Governor Eno directed Dr Dan Ekerette, the Medical Superintendent, to prioritise commitment, quality service, and maintenance at the hospital and urged local youths to safeguard the facility, emphasising its importance for current and future generations.
He appreciated Rt Hon Unyime Idem for supporting the State Government and his people through additional solar lights in the hospital and renovation of health centres in the area.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Uyo Ukpanah, welcomed and appreciated the Governor for making the General Hospital a reality in the area, describing the gesture as historic and heartwarming.
In his overview of the hospital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, described the facilities installed in the hospital as top-notch and as obtainable in developed climes.
The Member representing Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Aniekan Akpan, among others, thanked Governor Umo Eno for being a man of his word by prioritising the health and well-being of their people with the establishment of the General Hospital.
The high point of the event was the inauguration of the hospital by the Governor, and the
installation of the Governor as the Ette Nsongidem Ukanafun by the Ukanafun Traditional Rulers Council led by the Paramount Ruler, HRM Akuku Engr. Amos Akpan.
At the event were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political stalwarts; captains of industry; Government workers; and the general public.
