DEPUTY GOVERNOR EMETU ADVOCATES STRONGER ALLIANCE FOR HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION AT 115th CMDs/MDs’ MEETING OF FEDERAL TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN UMUAHIA

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has emphasized the need for a stronger alliance between the Abia State Government and Federal Tertiary Hospitals throughout Nigeria to enhance healthcare delivery, medical research, training, and innovation.

Engr. Emetu made this appeal yesterday at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia while welcoming members of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors from Federal Tertiary Hospitals across Nigeria for their 115th meeting, hosted by the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

Representing the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Deputy Governor highlighted that choosing Abia as the meeting venue reflects confidence in the State’s ongoing transformation, especially in the health sector.

“The Abia you are visiting today is a far cry from the Old Abia. We are intentionally reshaping that narrative. Abia is ready for business, healthcare partnerships, and collaboration,” he stated.

He praised the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors for their leadership and dedication in managing institutions that not only provide tertiary healthcare but also train the next generation of healthcare professionals and push forward medical research.

The Deputy Governor noted that the Otti administration continues to prioritize healthcare as a vital part of its social infrastructure, maintaining a commitment to allocate 15 percent of its annual budget to the sector.

He emphasized the revitalization of primary healthcare facilities through Project Ekwueme, the recruitment of healthcare professionals, the upgrading of specialist and tertiary healthcare institutions, and the increasing use of technology and innovation in healthcare delivery.

The Deputy Governor noted that the administration’s vision goes beyond just enhancing existing facilities, but aims to position Abia as a leading healthcare destination in Africa.

“Our goal isn’t just to improve on our past. We aspire to create a healthcare system that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Africa.”

He then called on medical leaders to contribute their expertise, professional networks, and institutional experience to the proposed Abia Medical City, which he described as a holistic healthcare ecosystem that integrates tertiary and specialist care, medical education, research, diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical technology, and related services.

“We truly believe that the combined expertise in this room can help turn that vision into reality.”

Earlier, the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, welcomed the delegation and praised the Governor Otti administration for its efforts in the health sector.

Dr. Meribole noted that the State has bolstered its healthcare workforce through recruitment at various levels, including consultants, while also enhancing pay and working conditions.

He also pointed out the growing collaboration between the Abia State Government and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, referring to the federal institution as a “sister institution” to the State.

The SSG encouraged the visiting medical directors to explore the State, witness the ongoing transformation, and share their insights with their respective institutions and states.

In his address, the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Chief Medical Director, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Professor Sa’ad Ahmed, shared that the Committee selected Abia for their meeting to evaluate the progress at the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia and to strengthen ties with the State Government.

Professor Ahmed expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and the Abia State Government;

“We’ve noticed remarkable advancements in infrastructure, healthcare services, and various other areas, and we’re truly impressed by what we’ve witnessed in Abia.”

He praised the State Government’s efforts in enhancing primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, hiring healthcare professionals, expanding health insurance, and improving emergency medical services.

The Committee Chairman also highlighted the extensive infrastructure development throughout the State, noting that the transformation seen on the way into Abia is a testament to how systematic planning and effective leadership can lead to significant progress in a relatively short time.

In his closing remarks, Professor Azubuike Kanayo Onyebuchi, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, thanked Governor Otti for his support in hosting the 115th meeting. Professor Onyebuchi revealed that the Abia State Government is building a 20-room VIP ward at the Federal Medical Centre, calling this initiative a crucial step for the hospital’s growth.

He also recognized the State Government’s role in restoring the hospital’s oxygen-generation capacity after facing issues with its oxygen plants. The CMD emphasized that this support underscores the vital partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

The event saw a notable turnout, including the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche; Dr. Kalu U. Kalu, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency; Dr. Adefunke Adegbite, the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health; and Dr. Abubakar Isah, the Director-General of Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. They were joined by various other directors, senior government officials, and healthcare administrators.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
September 08, 2026.