•Governor Umo Eno (2nd left) at the construction site
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed confidence that the ongoing Ibom International Hospital construction will be delivered as a world-class medical facility for Nigeria and medical tourism globally.
The visibly happy governor told journalists at the project site during an unscheduled inspection yesterday that both the progress and quality of job done were impressive barely two months after the turning of the sod marking the official start of construction.
The governor commended the Commissioner for Health, the lead contractor, project coordinator, doctors and other professionals involved in the project, saying their commitment and expertise demonstrated the Administration’s determination to deliver a quality medical facility.
He expressed optimism that, when completed, the hospital would rank among the best medical facilities in Nigeria and beyond.
“I believe we will deliver a world-class medical facility, not just for Akwa Ibom people, but for the continent of Afica and beyond,” he said.
The governor described the hospital as part of his Administration’s sustained investment in the health sector, stressing that the wellbeing of the people remained central to his development agenda.
He said investments in infrastructure such as roads and public facilities would have limited value if the people lacked the good health required to enjoy them.
Governor Eno also highlighted the cancer treatment component of the project, noting that limited access to early diagnostic facilities often resulted in cancer being detected at advanced stages, when treatment becomes more difficult and potentially fatal.
According to him, the new facility would provide potential users with opportunities for regular medical examinations and early detection mechanisms, thereby improving the chances of successful treatment and prolonging lives.
The governor used the occasion to renew his call on Akwa Ibom residents to embrace health insurance, warning that the cost of specialised treatment and surgical procedures could be beyond the reach of many families when medical bills were paid entirely out-of-pocket.
“Having insurance policy is the only way a lot of us would benefit from an advanced hospital like this because there are treatments you may want to access here but may not be able to pay the bills,” he said.
He urged residents to voluntarily enrol in health insurance schemes rather than wait for participation to become compulsory, noting that affordable options were already available.
The governor said his Administration’s investments in healthcare delivery services were designed not only to meet present needs but also to build a stronger health system for future generations.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, said the medical community had been fully involved in the conception and development of the project.
He said the state government engaged 25 health-sector unions and their leadership, while specialists from local and international institutions contributed to the planning and design of the facility.
According to him, about 40 consultants from different medical specialties participated in assessing the healthcare needs of patients and determining the appropriate facilities and services required.
He added that experts from Germany and the United States, as well as consultants from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, National Hospital, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, were involved in the process.
The project team disclosed that construction was progressing simultaneously across the three major wings of the facility, with different teams working day and night to accelerate completion.
The consultant and coordinator of the project, Dr Teinye Isokariari, said Governor Eno had set June 2027 as the delivery target, but the team was working to beat the deadline.
The structural engineer, Mohammed Bita, explained that the three wings were being developed as independent projects to fast-track construction and ensure timely delivery.
The Ibom International Hospital is expected to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state to access certain medical services.
Earlier in the day, Governor Eno also inspected the Command and Control Centre, the AKWA-GIS building and the new Governor’s Office Annex along Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo.
