Governor Umo Eno has inaugurated a newly constructed Model Primary Health Centre in Mbiaso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, describing the project as another major step toward strengthening healthcare delivery and improving the welfare of residents across the state. The governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, said the health facility underscored his administration’s commitment to human capital development and equitable access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the weekend, Eno noted that the newly completed health centre would significantly improve access to medical care for the people of Mbiaso and neighbouring communities, while also helping to reduce pressure on larger health institutions within the area. He explained that the facility was designed to provide essential primary healthcare services, maternal and child healthcare support, immunisation, routine medical consultations and other community-based health interventions aimed at improving public health outcomes.
According to the governor, strengthening primary healthcare remains central to his administration’s broader development agenda because of its direct impact on the wellbeing and productivity of citizens. He said the state government would continue investing in health infrastructure, medical personnel and modern equipment to ensure that residents receive efficient and affordable healthcare services regardless of their location.
The governor further stressed that access to quality healthcare was a fundamental requirement for sustainable development and economic growth, adding that healthy communities contribute more effectively to national progress. While reflecting on the history of healthcare development in Ikot Ekpene, Eno paid glowing tribute to Methodist Church Nigeria for its pioneering contributions to medical and social services in the area.
He recalled that the church established the first health post in Ikot Ekpene in 1905, which later evolved into the General Hospital serving the community and surrounding areas. According to him, the role played by the church demonstrated the importance of faith-based organisations in complementing government efforts toward social development. “It took the Methodist Church in 1842 to reach into Nigeria for the purpose of proselytizing the gospel. But they did not stop at that — they had to add healthcare to it,” the governor stated.
He noted that the contributions of missionary organisations to healthcare and education had continued to shape the development trajectory of many communities in Nigeria. Eno therefore called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, religious bodies, development partners and local communities in expanding access to healthcare and other essential services. He also urged residents of Mbiaso to take ownership of the facility by ensuring proper maintenance and supporting healthcare workers posted to the centre.
The governor assured the people that his administration would continue to prioritise policies and projects capable of improving living conditions and promoting inclusive development across the state. Prof. Ubong Essien, who represented the governor, reiterated that the state government remained committed to implementing people-oriented programmes in line with the administration’s development blueprint. He described the new health centre as a symbol of the government’s determination to bring quality healthcare closer to the grassroots.
According to him, the facility would not only serve the immediate healthcare needs of residents but also contribute to reducing preventable illnesses and maternal mortality within the area. Traditional rulers, community leaders and residents who attended the inauguration expressed appreciation to the state government for the project, describing it as timely and impactful. Some residents noted that the absence of a modern healthcare facility in the area had previously forced many people to travel long distances to seek medical attention.
They expressed optimism that the new centre would improve emergency response, routine treatment and healthcare access for women, children and the elderly. Health sector stakeholders at the event also commended the administration’s growing investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, noting that effective primary healthcare systems remain critical to achieving improved public health indicators. Observers believe the inauguration of the Mbiaso Model Primary Health Centre further reflects the increasing emphasis being
placed by state governments on strengthening grassroots healthcare systems as part of broader development strategies. The event concluded with prayers, goodwill messages and renewed calls for sustained investments in healthcare, education and community development across Akwa Ibom State.
