•Governor Umo Eno
History was made in Ukanafun Local Government Area today as Governor Umo Eno commissioned a fully completed and equipped General Hospital at Ikot Akpankuk, the first functional secondary healthcare facility in the area since its creation in 1976.
The hospital, which began in 2009 as a cottage hospital project, had been abandoned for years until Governor Eno revived, rebuilt, and completed it under the State of Emergency on Healthcare. The project includes a newly constructed access road and internal road network, finally easing the longstanding difficulty residents faced in accessing medical services.
Addressing a large and jubilant gathering, Governor Eno expressed gratitude for Ukanafun’s consistent support. He announced the approval for the completion of the Ekefe Road construction project and directed the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, to mobilise immediately.
The governor reiterated his commitment to completing abandoned but impactful projects and approved the installation of an MRI machine and dialysis units at the new hospital to enhance kidney care services.
He assured residents that they would no longer have to travel to Uyo for dialysis or related treatments.
Governor Eno also commended Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, for providing solar-powered streetlights and supporting the state’s healthcare initiatives. He urged the Council Chairman, hospital management, youths, and community leaders to protect and sustain the new facility.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Prince Uyo Ukpanah, described the hospital as a restoration of pride and dignity for the area. He thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise and pledged Ukanafun’s unwavering support ahead of 2027.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, recalled that the hospital project was abandoned after its initiation in 2009 until Governor Eno intervened.
He highlighted broader achievements under the Health Emergency Programme, including the construction of 18 new staff apartments aimed at improving personnel retention and hospital efficiency.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, outlined details of the newly completed access road project, while the pioneer Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ekerette Sunday Dan, promised to maintain high medical standards and ensure efficient service delivery.
The Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun, Akuku (Engr.) Amos Daniel Akpan, expressed deep appreciation to the governor and conferred on him the traditional title of “Ette Nchóñg Idem” (Father of Good Health) for bringing transformative development to the area.
In their goodwill messages, PDP State Chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan; National Assembly Member Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem; NMA Chairman Dr. Dan Ekerette; House Member for Ukanafun, Hon. Ememabasi Udom; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; and other stakeholders praised Governor Eno as a compassionate and visionary leader.
They described the new General Hospital as an early Christmas gift that the people of Ukanafun will cherish for years to come.
