Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated a 100-bed Renewed Hope Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Oko Ita, located in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
The facility, built under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, is designed to deliver comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care to residents of the area and neighbouring communities.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, at the commissioning on Wednesday, Governor Eno commended President Tinubu for funding both the construction and equipping of the facility. He noted that the hospital would significantly complement his administration’s efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare across the state.
“Our President understands that health is wealth. The commissioning of this hospital speaks to his commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the people, particularly in rural areas. It also demonstrates his resolve to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on good health and well-being,” Eno stated.
The governor also revealed that several model Primary Health Centres have already been established across all ten federal constituencies in the state. Additionally, plans are underway to commission the 350-bed Ibom International Multi-Specialist Hospital, aimed at promoting medical tourism and expanding access to specialist care in the state.
In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the new ultramodern hospital is one of several Mother and Child Centres built by her office in partnership with state governments to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve access to essential health services.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support in achieving the SDGs, noting that 45 such hospitals have been constructed across Nigeria so far.
“Our 2024 SDGs Progress Report reveals sobering statistics. Maternal health indicators remain below target. This centre marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving SDG Goal 3,” she said.
Orelope-Adefulire urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to promote routine antenatal and postnatal care, enhance skilled birth attendance through programmes like the Midwives Service Scheme, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, and ensure full immunisation coverage for children.
She also commended Governor Eno’s people-focused leadership style and pledged further collaboration with the state government, including the provision of residential quarters for medical staff and additional infrastructure to upgrade the hospital to general hospital status.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals; Senator Ita Enang, former SSA to President Buhari on Legislative Matters; and Ime Okon, the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, among others.
The fully equipped facility includes operating theatres, recovery rooms, delivery beds, laboratories and scanning rooms, emergency carts with full complements, ultrasound scanners, manual and electric resuscitators, and other essential medical equipment. The hospital is expected to play a key role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
