Sunday May 10, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare delivery with the commissioning of a newly constructed Model Primary Health Centre in Mbiaso, Ikot Ekpene.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umo Essien, Governor Eno described the project as a significant milestone in his state’s drive toward improved healthcare and human capital development.
Delivering the Governor’s message during the commissioning ceremony yesterday, 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 the Methodist Church in 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 proselytising 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 immunisation to male circumcision, from malaria to pneumonia, and from pregnancy to all kinds of emergencies,” 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. Development, not politics,” he emphasised.
Prof. Essien expressed appreciation to the Methodist Church of 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 citing 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 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 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.
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 patronising 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 to 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.
Women from the area, who turned out in large numbers, added colour to the event with cultural songs and displays in appreciation of the Governor’s developmental strides.
In separate goodwill messages, stakeholders including the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel IbokEssien; 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.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Patrick Eshiet, delivered the vote of thanks at the ceremony.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters; Honourable Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga; Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong; Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Rt. Hon. Udo Kieran Akpan; and General Manager, Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, Chairman of Urueoffong Local Government, Hon. Uno Etim Uno, among others.
Gov Eno Commissions Model Health Centre In Ikot Ekpene
