Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a Model Primary Health Centre in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, as part of his administration’s rural development drive and efforts at improving healthcare delivery in the State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, the Governor explained that the Model Health Centre is designed to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Nsit Atai and surrounding communities, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates to the barest minimum.
Governor Eno who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, noted that his administration will continue to work tirelessly to provide critical social amenities and infrastructure in rural areas, in line with the ARISE Agenda.
“I am excited because we are on track in the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, particularly the dimension that has to do with rural development.
“This administration does not embark on projects to score political points. We are intentional about enhancing the standard of living of the people. All our projects comply with global standards.
“It is impossible to talk about other areas of progress when sickness ravages the body unchecked. As we build roads, schools, markets and initiate numerous empowerment programmes for our people, we are conscious of the fact that they can only enjoy these things if they are healthy. This is why we are intentional about making healthcare accessible to all Akwa Ibomites, including those in rural communities.
“We are working towards a viable integrated healthcare delivery system, from primary to secondary before graduating to the highly sophisticated tertiary healthcare institutions. Without primary healthcare facilities, such as the one sited here, the other two levels will be unnecessarily over-burdened or made ineffective”, he added.
The Governor further reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity in the allocation of government projects, ensuring that no part of the state is marginalized.
While acknowledging the contributions of the stakeholders and entire people of the area for their collaboration in making the project a reality, Pastor Umo urged them to take ownership of the facility and ensure its maintenance for the long-term benefit of the people.
“For government’s efforts in this regard to be sustained for the maximum benefits of our people, the stakeholders must take ownership by ensuring the facilities are neither mismanaged nor vandalized. Development and true transformation will never take place if new projects don’t meet old facilities. Remember, if it is needed today, it will be much more needed in the future”, he said
In a project overview, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh revealed that the Model Health Centre is equipped with a pharmacy, laboratory, steady power supply and staff quarters, amongst other modern health facilities.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Housing/Political Leader of Nsit Atai LGA, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, Transition Committee Chairman of the area, Hon. Emem Ibanga,
Paramount Ruler, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Peter Effiong, Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Martin Akpan, as well as the Village Head of Odot, Obong Inyang Ekpe lauded the Governor for prioritizing the health needs of the people and pledged more support for his administration.
