Otti opens new 80-bed hospital in Obingwa, names it after Chima Ubani

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Tuesday, August 25, opened the newly remodeled 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital. The hospital is now named after Chima Ubani, a respected son of Obingwa LGA and a well-known human rights activist.

The event took place at Mgboko, the headquarters of Obingwa LGA. This information came from a statement released on Wednesday by Governor Otti’s spokesman, Njoku Ukoha.

While speaking at the event, Governor Otti highlighted that healthcare is key to his administration’s goals. He mentioned that investments in healthcare are aimed at building trust in public health institutions and saving lives, especially those of mothers and newborns.

Mr Otti noted that the new hospital will improve access to quality medical care for many residents in Obingwa and nearby communities. He emphasized that its location will also benefit people from Aba, Osisioma, and other surrounding areas.

The governor expressed happiness with the hospital’s modern features. These include a healing garden, tech-driven data management, real-time facility collaboration, a well-equipped laboratory and scanning units, a surgery theatre, eye care units, observation rooms, and a renewable energy system for constant power supply.

“We have reached a new milestone in our effort to modernize our health institutions to reflect today’s needs. This facility must be open all day and night, including weekends. Anyone who comes here for medical help must receive the care they need, regardless of their social or economic background,” Governor Otti stated.

Why we named the hospital after Chima Ubani, Otti

Governor Otti shared that naming the hospital after Chima Ubani is a way to honor the late activist’s bravery, kindness, and dedication to justice, democracy, and the wellbeing of everyday Nigerians.

Recalling Mr Ubani's role as a pro-democracy advocate, Students’ Union President at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation, the governor called him “a mentor of the masses, one who died pursuing the ideals he believed in.”

He added that this honor aims not only to keep Ubani’s memory alive but also to inspire current and future generations to lead lives filled with courage, service, and integrity.

The governor assured that his administration will keep supporting the family of the late activist and work with medical professionals and others to improve healthcare in Abia. He mentioned he was glad that local leaders are involved to help protect the hospital and warned vandals against damaging the facility.

In their speeches, various leaders including the Senator for Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe; Labour Party State Chairman, Peter Azubuike; and other Labour Party candidates thanked the governor for the hospital and other projects in Obingwa. They promised that the people of Obingwa would support him and his party members in the coming elections.

Otti’s projects in health sector

In his welcome speech, the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the 80-bed hospital shows Governor Otti’s commitment to creating a future-ready healthcare system in Abia State.

He shared that in three years, Governor Otti has initiated 301 health-related projects, including the construction and equipping of 277 Primary Health Centres. He said this hospital is digital and can connect women in labor at various PHCs to it.

“Obingwa has received its fair share of these projects, which includes 18 primary health centres, 13 under Project Ekwueme and five under the Impact project,” Mr Uche, a professor, stated.

Also, the CEO of the Abia State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Odochi Azubuike, reminded everyone that the hospital was built by the Local Government SURE-P in Abia and was opened in 2015. She said the Otti administration found it in poor condition, with no admissions, drugs, or equipment. She noted that the hospital has transformed from a place lacking everything to a functioning hospital.

Ms Azubuike thanked the governor for his efforts to improve the welfare of HMB staff. She urged the people of Obingwa to take ownership of the facility and ensure it is protected.

The Chairman of Save A Life Group, Richard Okoye, said his group is partnering with Abia because of Governor Otti’s visionary leadership. He added that Abia will soon have the highest life expectancy in West Africa due to Otti’s investments in health. He praised the governor’s decision that every Abian deserves quality healthcare.

Additionally, retired professor of Paediatrics, Kanu Nkaginieme, praised Governor Otti’s changes and stressed the need for community leaders to oversee healthcare facilities. He encouraged all Abians to take ownership of the projects the governor is building around the state.

The commissioning was attended by the Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechukwu Emetu, Secretary to the Abia State Government, Emmanuel Meribeole, Chief of Staff to Governor Otti, Caleb Ajagba, and other senior government officials.