Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has flaged-off the construction of the Abia Specialist and Diagnostic Centre, Umunnato, Alayi Bende LGA.

The project is part of the efforts of Governor Otti to upgrade the long abandoned Umunnato General Hospital into a tertiary healthcare facility, with 100-bed ward, theatres, accident and emergency units, general outpatient departments, maternity wards, dental units and radiology departments.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, 28th May, 2026, as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office, Governor Otti said that he decided to demolish and rebuild the old and dilapidated facility to get desired quality.

The Governor instructed the contractor to comply strictly with the specifications and deliver within one year.

He constituted a four-man supervisory team comprising the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; House of Representatives hopeful for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr Chima Anyaso; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Lady Ifeoma Agu.

“We found that it was cheaper to do that (demolish & build a new one) than to try and fix something that you probably wouldn’t even get exactly what you require. Anywhere we flag-off a project, it means it will be commissioned and it will be commissioned in record time, he said.

The Governor expressed optimism that the hospital would be ready for commissioning during activities marking his administration’s fourth anniversary and inauguration of his second term in office.

“So, the contractor is here and I would like to give the contractor a target. “So, in the next one year as we will be celebrating our fourth anniversary and preparing for the next inauguration, we shall be commissioning this project,” Gov. Otti stated.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche noted that the establishment of the specialist hospital was in fulfilment of the Governor’s promise that each senatorial zone in the State would have a tertiary healthcare facility to serve as a referral centre for specialised medical care.

He said that when the Governor took over office, he made it a point of priority that, “every senatorial district or senatorial zone in Abia State must have a tertiary hospital to serve as the pinnacle referral centre for that senatorial zone.“And that is to bring specialised care to the doorstep of Abians so that nobody is left behind”, Prof Uche stated.

The Commissioner noted that the abandoned hospital, was established in 1962, and had deteriorated for decades.“This hospital was initially established in 1962. At that time, it was serving the whole of Abia North. Unfortunately, for 40 years, it has been abandoned,” Prof. Uche stated.

He said that Abia State University Teaching Hospital serves Abia South Senatorial zone, the Amachara Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre caters for Abia Central, while the Umunnato facility would serve the Abia North. Prof. Uche, informed the mammoth crowd that consultants working towards securing the Joint Commission International (JCI) certification, which is regarded globally as one of the highest standards in hospital accreditation, had already commenced work in line with the directive of the Governor.

The Governor later commissioned two Primary Healthcare Centres, including the Umuisi Primary Healthcare facility and the Okafia Primary Healthcare facility all in Igbere, Bende Local Government Areas.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has performed the ground breaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 100 -bedded Okpuala-Ngwa general hospital in Isialangwa North LGA.

Governor Otti equally commissioned the newly rebuilt, retrofitted and functionalized government cottage hospital, Umuihie, Okporoahaba, Isialangwa South LGA.

Speaking on Monday, May 25th, 2026, at the occasions as part of the activities marking the third anniversary of his government, governor Otti restated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the healthcare system across Abia state.

Governor Otti described the Okpuala Ngwa General Hospital as a facility of great historical importance to the people of the area and Abia residents generally, noting that it once served as one of the major healthcare institutions in the old Eastern region.

He said the hospital had prominent medical professionals, including the late Dr. Chima Nwafor serve there.

Governor Otti described the failure of the present day generation to fix and maintain hospitals established by the forefathers as a shame, saying that, “What we have come here to do today is to restore this hospital to its former glory.”

The State Chief Executive, who disclosed that work has already commenced at the Okpuala Ngwa General Hospital, assured that the hospital would be equipped as a modern, state-of-the-art medical facility and would be delivered in record time.

Governor Otti informed the crowd that was cheering him that the portions of the hospital land previously acquired illegally had been fully recovered by the government, warning against encroachment on public property.

While commissioning the government cottage hospital in Umuihie, governor Otti challenged the benefiting community and stakeholders to ensure that they protect the facility.

“When our attention was drawn to it (the cottage hospital), we decided to weigh in, renovate and rehabilitate it and put it to use.

“We want to say that this is a big challenge to the community and I like what distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokocha just said.

“This is your facility in your community and I want to challenge all of you that you have to protect this facility,” Gov. Otti stated.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe and the member representing Isialangwa South State Constituency, Mr Roland Ceaser thanked Governor Otti for making healthcare services a priority in the state.and equally appreciated him for granting them the Labour Party tickets to run for 2027 elections.

They noted that Governor Otti has changed the narratives in all sectors of the state’s economy, urging the people to own the facility and protect it from vandals.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, explained that the Isiala Ngwa general hospital is among the hospitals approved by the governor for reconstruction and upgrade to guarantee accessible and quality healthcare delivery across the State.

According to the Commissioner, the hospital will feature modern consulting clinics, surgical units, diagnostic laboratories, radiology services, a state-of-the-art accident and emergency unit, children’s ward, blood bank services, and ambulance support services.

Prof. Uche, who commended Governor Otti for prioritising healthcare infrastructure and improving the welfare of the people through strategic investments in the health sector, also said that the newly renovated, retrofitted and functionalized cottage hospital would serve as a critical referral hub for primary healthcare centres in Isialangwa South and surrounding communities.

He added that it has the best of the equipment needed for the hospital of that level and has solar power to sustain the facility in case of public power outage .

In their speeches, the Anglican Archbishop of Aba Ecclesiastical Province, Rt. Rev. Isaac Nwobia and the traditional Ruler of Okporoahaba autonomous Community, Eze Peter Emeonye described the health intervention of the Governor as second to none, calling for the construction of the Okporoahaba road to improve the living conditions of their people.

Governor Otti had earlier commissioned Umuikama – Okpuala Nvosi road and Umunkpeyi – Okpokiri-Umuehim roads all in Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Out of growing concerns for the rising cases of breast cancer globally, the Wife of the Abia state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reiterated the call for regular medical screening, to reduce the effect of the cancer menace.

She has also called for sustained public awareness, and stronger support systems for can er patients.

At the 2025 breast cancer campaign walk in Umuahia on Friday, Mrs. Otti through her pet project , the Safe Tent Care Initiative, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Health, to commemorate the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Week described early detection and prevention as the most effective strategies for reversing the devastating trend of breast cancer.

Represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Chidera Emetu, Mrs. Otti commended cancer survivors describing them as “beacons of courage and resilience whose stories inspire hope and determination in others,” and affirmed her support to those still battling the illness.

Delivering her address during the awareness walk, Mrs. Otti reflected on the significance of October as a month dedicated to celebrating survivors, supporting fighters, and honouring those who have passed away from the disease.

She noted that while Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be drawing to a close, the advocacy, love, and compassion must continue throughout the year.

“Breast cancer affects us all, regardless of age, ethnicity, or background.

“Therefore, get screened, show love, donate, share the word, and advocate for change. Every story is unique, every journey is personal, and every battle is courageous. To those currently battling, know that you are not alone — my support remains steadfast, to the survivors, your strength and courage are a beacon of hope for us all and to the loved ones who stand beside them, your love and care form the foundation on which they stand.,” she said.

Mrs. Otti further encouraged women to take their health seriously and undergo regular checkups, stressing that breast cancer is not a death sentence when detected early.

She called on communities, corporate bodies, and faith-based organisations to intensify awareness efforts and support research initiatives.

“Let us continue to uplift one another, share our stories, and celebrate the beauty of life.

“Together, we can make a difference and create a future where breast cancer no longer breaks hearts,” she concluded.

In her speech, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Betty Oguama commended the Wife of the Governor, the Abia healthcare community, and development partners for their proactive roles in promoting women’s health.

She urged women to remain health-conscious, vigilant, and proactive in seeking medical attention.

Contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, restated the commitment of the Alex Otti-led administration to strengthening healthcare systems in the state, saying the event symbolised a renewed call for collective action—one that challenges citizens to unite, support those affected, and prioritise early detection.

D

A Medical officer at the Government House Clinic, Dr. Kingsley Anyanwu, have health guidelines to the market women at Orie-ugba and Isi-gate markets during the awareness campaign. advising women to seek immediate medical attention whenever they notice symptoms such as breast lumps, itching, redness, folding or retraction of the nipples, or any unusual changes in their breasts.

Dr. Anyanwu further emphasised the importance of healthy living, urging women to eat organic foods, engage in regular physical exercise, and adopt lifestyles that promote long-term wellness and disease prevention.

The event featured a health walk through the streets of Umuahia, led by Mrs. Otti’s representative in the company of government officials, healthcare professionals, and members of advocacy groups.

The theme for the 2025 cancer awareness campaign is “Celebrating Strength in every unique story.”