Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State emphasized that his administration is focused on improving the standard of living for its citizens rather than pursuing projects merely for political gain.
This commitment was highlighted during the inauguration of a Model Primary Health Care center in Nsit Atai local government area. The event marked a significant step in the administration’s rural development initiative and its efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the region.
The Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, articulated the administration’s dedication to providing quality healthcare services to the residents of Nsit Atai and neighboring communities. The primary aim of the health center is to drastically reduce infant and maternal mortality rates.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, the Governor remarked, “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.”
He further elaborated on the importance of health in relation to other developmental projects: “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.”
Governor Eno outlined his administration’s strategy for a comprehensive healthcare system: “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.”
The Governor reiterated his commitment to equitable distribution of government projects, ensuring no part of the state is neglected. He also highlighted the importance of community involvement in maintaining these facilities: “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.”
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, provided an overview of the new health center, noting it is equipped with a pharmacy, laboratory, steady power supply, and staff quarters, among other modern amenities.
