By Aishat Omowumi Yekeen
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has commissioned the newly remodelled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital in Mgboko, the headquarters of Obingwa Local Government Area, and renamed the facility after the late human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Chima Ubani.
The commissioning, which took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, marks another step in the Abia State Government’s efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services for residents.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said healthcare remains central to his administration’s development agenda, noting that investments in the sector are aimed at restoring confidence in public health institutions and saving lives, particularly those of mothers and newborns.
He said the newly commissioned facility would expand access to quality healthcare for hundreds of thousands of residents in Obingwa and neighbouring communities, adding that its strategic location would also make it accessible to people from Aba, Osisioma and other adjoining areas.
A section of the newly remodelled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital in Mgboko, Obingwa LGA.
A Modern Healthcare Facility
Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s modern facilities and technology-driven systems, which he said were designed to bring public healthcare delivery in Abia in line with contemporary standards.
The 80-bed facility is equipped with a healing garden, digital data management systems, real-time inter-facility collaboration, technology-assisted laboratory and scan analysis, a well-equipped theatre and eye care units, observation rooms and a renewable energy system designed to support uninterrupted power supply.
Emphasising the importance of round-the-clock medical services, the governor directed that the facility remain operational at all times.
“This facility should remain open every night and day. It operates for 24 hours a day, Saturdays and Sundays inclusive.”
He further stressed that every resident who seeks medical attention at the hospital should be treated with dignity, regardless of their economic or social status.
“Whoever comes here for medical reasons must receive the attention and support they need, whatever their social or economic conditions,” Gov. Otti stated.
A view of one of the wards at the newly remodelled 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital.
The well-equipped theatre at the newly remodelled Obingwa General Hospital.
Honouring Chima Ubani
Beyond the commissioning of the hospital, the event also served as an occasion to honour the memory and legacy of the late Chima Ubani, after whom the facility was renamed.
Governor Otti said the decision was a tribute to Ubani’s courage, compassion and lifelong commitment to justice, democracy and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Recalling Ubani’s contributions as a pro-democracy campaigner, Students’ Union President at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation, the governor described him as “a mentor of the masses, one who died in pursuit of the very ideals that he lived for.”
According to Governor Otti, the honour is intended not only to preserve Ubani’s memory but also to inspire present and future generations to embrace courage, service and integrity.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to support the late activist’s family and collaborate with medical professionals and other stakeholders to further strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
He also said community leaders had been incorporated into efforts to protect the hospital, urging residents to take ownership of the facility and warning against vandalism.
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301 Health Projects in Three Years
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, described the hospital as evidence of the governor’s commitment to building a future-ready healthcare system in Abia State.
Prof. Uche disclosed that within three years in office, the Otti administration had undertaken a total of 301 infrastructural projects in the health sector, including the construction and equipping of 277 Primary Health Centres to the standard set by the governor.
He said the Obingwa facility is a digital hospital that can connect with Primary Health Centres, enabling women in labour at various PHCs to be linked to the hospital for appropriate medical support.
“Obingwa has received more than a fair share of these projects, including 18 primary health centres, 13 of them under Project Ekwueme and five under Impact project,” Prof. Uche stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, recalled that the hospital was originally built by the Local Government SURE-P programme and commissioned in 2015.
She said the present administration met the facility in a dilapidated condition, with no admissions, drugs or equipment. According to her, the government has transformed the hospital from a facility that lacked basic resources into a functional and properly equipped healthcare institution.
Dr. Azubuike commended Governor Otti for his commitment to the welfare of Hospitals Management Board staff and appealed to the people of Obingwa to protect and take ownership of the facility.
Stakeholders Commend Project
Stakeholders at the commissioning also commended the governor for the hospital and other transformational projects in Obingwa.
The Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Labour Party State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubuike; Labour Party candidate for Obingwa, Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Dr. Okey Nwambu; Labour Party candidate for Obingwa West Constituency, Chief Mrs. Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko; Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike; and Eze Nwabiaraije Eneogwe expressed appreciation for the projects.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Save A Life Group, Dr. Richard Okoye, said his organisation was partnering with Abia State because of what he described as the governor’s visionary leadership.
He expressed optimism that the state’s investment in healthcare would contribute significantly to improved life expectancy and commended the governor’s position that every Abian deserves dignified and quality healthcare.
Retired Professor of Paediatrics, Prof. Kanu Nkaginieme, also praised the administration’s healthcare investments. He called on community leaders to take responsibility for overseeing and protecting health facilities, while urging residents to take ownership of government projects across the state.
The commissioning was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D.; and other senior government officials.
With the commissioning of the renamed Chima Ubani General Hospital, the facility is expected to serve as a major healthcare centre for Obingwa and surrounding communities, providing residents with improved access to modern and technology-driven medical services.
