Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned the newly remodelled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital in Mgboko, Obingwa Local Government Area, renaming the facility after the late human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Chima Ubani.
The commissioning, held on Tuesday, August 25, marked a major addition to the state’s public healthcare infrastructure, with the governor saying the facility is designed to expand access to quality healthcare for residents of Obingwa and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said healthcare remains a key component of his administration’s development agenda, particularly in improving public health institutions and reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
He said the strategic location of the hospital would enable it to serve residents of Obingwa as well as people from Aba, Osisioma and other neighbouring communities.
The governor highlighted several features of the facility, including a healing garden, digital data management systems, real-time inter-facility collaboration, technology-assisted laboratory and scan analysis, a well-equipped theatre, eye-care units, observation rooms and a renewable energy system intended to support continuous power supply.
Governor Otti directed that the hospital operate around the clock, including weekends, stressing that patients should receive medical attention regardless of their social or economic status.
«“This facility should remain open every night and day. It operates for 24 hours a day, Saturdays and Sundays inclusive,” the governor said.»
Hospital Renamed in Honour of Chima Ubani
The governor explained that the decision to rename the hospital after Chima Ubani was intended to preserve the legacy of the late activist and recognise his contribution to democracy, human rights and social justice in Nigeria.
Ubani, who served as Students’ Union President at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later as Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation, was remembered by Governor Otti as a courageous advocate who dedicated his life to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The governor described him as “a mentor of the masses” who died in pursuit of the ideals he had lived for.
Otti said the honour was also intended to inspire younger generations to embrace courage, service and integrity.
Abia Government Highlights Health Sector Investments
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the hospital represents the administration’s vision of developing a modern and future-ready healthcare system.
According to him, the state government is currently undertaking 301 health infrastructure projects, including the construction and equipping of 277 Primary Health Centres.
He said the digital capacity of the newly commissioned hospital would allow health workers at primary healthcare centres to connect patients, particularly women in labour, with the facility for improved medical support.
Obingwa, he added, has benefited significantly from the ongoing health investments, with 18 primary healthcare centres located in the local government area, including 13 under Project Ekwueme and five under the Impact Project.
From Dilapidated Facility to Functional Hospital
The Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, said the hospital was originally built through the Local Government SURE-P programme and commissioned in 2015.
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She explained that the facility had deteriorated significantly before the present administration intervened, leaving it without adequate equipment, drugs or admission capacity.
According to Azubuike, the facility has now been transformed into a functional hospital equipped to provide a wider range of healthcare services.
She urged residents of Obingwa to take ownership of the facility and help protect it from vandalism and other forms of damage.
Stakeholders Applaud Healthcare Investment
The commissioning attracted government officials, community leaders, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders who commended the state government’s investment in the health sector.
The Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, alongside other political and community leaders, including the Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, expressed appreciation for the project and other developments in the area.
The Chairman of Save A Life Group, Dr. Richard Okoye, also commended the administration’s healthcare agenda, describing it as evidence of what he called visionary leadership.
Retired Professor of Paediatrics, Prof. Kanu Nkaginieme, called on community leaders and residents to take responsibility for protecting and sustaining healthcare facilities across the state.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and other senior government officials.
The commissioning of the renamed Chima Ubani General Hospital adds to the Abia State Government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade public healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical services across the state.
