•Governor Eno and Health Minister Ali Pate
…commends governor for prioritising healthcare infrastructure
In a major boost to healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has commissioned key healthcare projects initiated by Governor Umo Eno.
The projects include the state-of-the-art Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP) in Ituk Mbang, the Model Primary Health Centre (Base) on Wellington Bassey Way, and the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS).
These initiatives are set to enhance healthcare accessibility and emergency response services across the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony yesterday, Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening healthcare infrastructure as part of the Arise Agenda.
“The unveiling of these facilities is a testament to our commitment to quality healthcare across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
“Beyond infrastructure, we are also investing in health insurance to improve accessibility and reduce medical costs. Our goal is to position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for medical services,” the governor stated.
Highlighting the significance of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS), Governor Eno commended the Health Minister for his patience and support.
“Since his arrival, Prof. Ali Pate has been commissioning one project after another, reinforcing why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has great confidence in him. “Emergency healthcare is critical, and today, we are unveiling a fully equipped system with 28 ambulances, a call center, and additional units donated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.”
The governor also issued a stern warning against the misuse of state medical resources, emphasising that ambulances must be used strictly for healthcare services.
“No state-owned ambulance should be used for burials. All ambulances in Akwa Ibom must now be registered under the Ministry of Health for proper monitoring,” he declared.
Inaugurating the projects, Prof. Ali Pate commended Governor Eno for prioritising healthcare, urging other states to replicate Akwa Ibom’s model.
“It is a pleasure to witness the outstanding work done by Governor Umo Eno’s administration. Healthcare is the foundation of a thriving society, and the Governor’s focus on medical infrastructure aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for a reformed healthcare system,” he noted.
The minister praised the strategic approach taken by the state, stating that Akwa Ibom has demonstrated the power of state-driven healthcare transformation.
“These projects are not just investments in infrastructure but in the lives of the people. The Honourable Commissioner for Health has exceeded expectations, and I urge other states to take inspiration from Akwa Ibom’s healthcare model.”
Providing an overview, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John, described the Model Primary Health Centre as one of the best in the country, equipped with modern facilities, a clean access road, and an ICT center for electronic medical records.
At the emergency operations center, Dr. Ekem highlighted the revamped emergency response system, stating that all 28 ambulances are GPS-tracked from the call center, ensuring strict operational control.
“We have implemented toll-free emergency lines and designated three ambulances for intensive care units to handle critical cases,” he added.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Executive Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, thanked Governor Eno for turning Uyo into a hub of development. He expressed optimism that the new facilities would alleviate pressure on secondary healthcare centers.
Other dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe, and the Coordinator of NEMSAS, Dr. Saidu, commended the projects as a game-changer in maternal health and emergency response services in Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare, pledging continued investment to make Akwa Ibom a model state for medical excellence in Nigeria.
Gov Eno counts gains of President Tinubu’s visit, calls for prayers, support for leaders
•President Tinubu and Governor Eno
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has identified critical areas of collaboration between his administration and the federal government.
Fielding questions from Government House Correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, upon his return to the state from a visit, along with other critical stakeholders from the state, to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Governor Eno lauded the president’s inclusiveness in governance.
He also thanked the president for granting audience to the Akwa Ibom delegation at the State House amidst his crowded schedule.
“That audience is very important to us. That shows that he is the father of the nation. He listens to all his children. So we thank him.”
Governor Eno described the visit as a successful mission, stressing that it offered an opportunity for Akwa Ibom leaders to present a common front, a demonstration of his all-inclusive disposition to governance.
“I have always said that political parties are platforms to contest election. And after that, we should unite the state and make progress. And that was shown yesterday in the composition of the stakeholders.”
Governor Eno said the stakeholders expressed appreciation of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State to President Tinubu for his support for the emergence of Akwa Ibom son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as president of the 10th senate.
He acknowledged that the president has maintained a good working relationship with him and has appointed other Akwa Ibom people into the federal government, principal amongst which is Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum, (Gas).
“We used the opportunity of that visit to make our requests. As the Bible says, with thanksgiving, make your request known,” the governor said, enumerating the request to include; issues surrounding the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project and presidential intervention in ecological challenges plaguing the state.
Also presented to the president during the visit, according to the governor, was an invitation for the president to pay a working visit to the state.
“I have said it over and over again, There must be collaboration to actualise the Deep Seaport project. So we used the opportunity of that visit to appeal for presidential intervention, and of course, the ecological issues that we have: the gully erosion affecting us everywhere. We have spent so much on reclamation and we also need a presidential intervention.
“The third thing was to formally invite the president on a working visit to Akwa Ibom to commission some of our projects, including the Arise Resort. These were the things that we did.
“I must say that the visit also was to encourage the president on the task of governance. It is not easy to govern people. As a governor, I can tell you even in our state, it is not easy. So every leader needs encouragement. We were also there to show support and to encourage him,” he said.
