Gov Eno Inaugurates Model Health Centre

To curb avoidable infant and maternal deaths as well as care for the aged and pregnant women, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has inaugurated a primary healthcare centre (PHC) at Mbiaso community in Ikot Ekpene local government area.

At the ceremony over the weekend, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare delivery towards maintaining active population.

Represented by the commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umo Essien, the governor described the project as a significant milestone in his drive toward improved healthcare and human capital development.

Delivering the governor’s message during the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Essien, noted that the health centre would greatly enhance access to medical services for residents of Mbiaso and neighbouring communities.

Highlighting the historical role of 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.

“It took the Methodist Church in 1842 to reach into Nigeria for the purpose of proselytizing the gospel. But they did not stop at that — they had to add healthcare to it,” he said.

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.

According to him, the Methodist Church also donated the land for the project, continuing its longstanding legacy of community service and development.

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 emergency,” he noted.

He further disclosed 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.

Speaking on the importance of visionary leadership, the Commissioner stressed that development remains the true essence of governance.

“While politics brings governance, it is only governance that can bring development, not politics,” he emphasized.

Prof. Essien expressed appreciation to Methodist Church Nigeria for its support and described the commissioning as “history repeating itself in change and continuity.”

Stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene spoke in glowing terms to applaud the strides of the governor in their area and promised to support his re-election in 2027.

In his remarks, the chairman of Ikot Ekpene local government area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, expressed appreciation to the governor for siting the health facility in Mbiaso and thanked the Methodist Church for graciously donating the land for the project.

The council chairman who was accompanied by the 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 the governor 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.