FG Inaugurates 100-bed Hospital for Women, Children in Akwa Ibom

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government has commissioned a 100-bed Renewed Hope ‘Mother and Child’ Specialist Hospital in Oko-Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, stressing that it underscored its renewed commitment to quality healthcare delivery and sustainable development nationwide.

The medical facility was initiated, constructed and equipped by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), a statement by the Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, OSSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, noted.

According to the statement, the development marked another giant stride in the country’s quest to drastically reduce maternal and child mortality and expand access to equitable, high-quality health services at the grassroots.

The hospital, which will provide comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care to residents of the area and neighbouring communities was commissioned by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

At the event, Eno commended the President for providing the resources for the construction and equipping of the facility, noting that the hospital would significantly complement his administration’s efforts in delivering affordable and quality healthcare services across the state.

“Our President understands that health is wealth. The commissioning of this hospital speaks to the President’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the people, especially those in rural areas, as well as his resolve to implement Sustainable Development Goal-3 on good health and wellbeing,” the governor said.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the project as more than just a healthcare facility.

“We are not merely unveiling a health facility. We are reaffirming our collective commitment to delivering quality healthcare to the most vulnerable segments of our society; our mothers and children,” she declared.

The commissioning, she said, aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which she emphasised prioritises social inclusion and equitable development as key pillars for achieving the SDGs.

Orelope-Adefulire commended the President’s support and leadership, noting that “his administration has demonstrated a clear understanding that inclusive development begins with prioritising the health and well-being of our people, especially at the grassroots.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s most recent 2024 SDGs Progress Report, the presidential adviser acknowledged the “Triple C” crises: Climate, Conflict, and COVID-19, which have disrupted global health systems, displaced populations, and diverted development funding.

She noted that despite global and national challenges, the commissioning of the hospital signified hope and strategic progress. “Together, these crises have strained health systems, disrupted service delivery, displaced vulnerable populations and diverted resources away from essential development priorities,” she noted.

The fully equipped facility includes: Operating Theatres, Recovery Rooms, Private and General Wards, Consultation Rooms, Laboratory and Scanning Room, Ultra-Scan Machine and Vacuum Extractor Delivery Set, Emergency Cart with full complements, among others.

The hospital, according to the statement, is designed to deliver safe and dignified maternal and child healthcare services, particularly to underserved communities. It also supports Nigeria’s efforts to meet SDG 3, relating to good health and wellbeing and other interlinked goals.

Orelope-Adefulire called on all stakeholders, including the Akwa Ibom state government, traditional rulers, health professionals, and community leaders, to take ownership of the facility and ensure it operates sustainably.

She commended Eno for providing the enabling environment that allowed the project to thrive, and urged continuous collaboration to ensure the facility lives up to its purpose.

With the commissioning of the hospital, the statement explained that the OSSAP-SDGs has once again demonstrated its commitment to bridging the gap between policy and impact.

“The event serves as a strong reminder of what is possible when federal and state governments, development partners, and communities work together with a shared purpose,” it added.