By Gloria Essien Abuja
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno, has urged well-meaning citizens to collaborate with the state in improving healthcare for the people.
He made the call while commissioning Grace Efiong Osung ultra-modern Health Centre in Udung Affiang, Okobo LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
The ultra-modern facility was built through the Grace Efiong Osung Foundation to serve the host community and residents of neighbouring local government areas, including Urue Offong/Oruko and Nsit Ubium
The Governor praised the provider of the facility, Mr Elvis Osung, for his remarkable philanthropic gesture in constructing and donating a modern health centre to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Represented at the commissioning by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, the Governor directed the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Enobong Attah, to immediately enroll in the centre under the National Basic Health Care Provision Fund to ensure effective service delivery and sustainability.
Read Also: Nigerian Government commends traditional leaders effort in healthcare development
Governor Umo Eno also stressed that the name Grace Efiong Osung Health Centre must remain unchanged, noting that it honours the memory of Mr. Osung’s late mother serves as a lasting legacy of her compassion and service to humanity.
He also urged traditional birth attendants in the area to refer pregnant women to the centre so they can receive proper and professional maternal and child healthcare.
He also disclosed that retired medical doctors recently engaged on contract, along with other healthcare workers, will be deployed to the facility, with full operations expected to commence on 2 January 2026.
The Governor directed the executive chairman of Okobo Local Government to provide adequate security for the health centre, ensuring the safety of staff, patients, and equipment.
He also appealed to the people of the community to take full ownership of the project, protect it, and ensure its proper use, stressing that the facility is a valuable resource meant to serve everyone.
The Governor emphasised that the health centre is a legacy of compassion and service, and its success depends not only on government support but also on the vigilance, care, and cooperation of the local residents.
He urged the community to embrace the facility, promote good health practices, and make it a point of pride for the entire Okobo Local Government Area.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Grace Efiong Osung Foundation, Mr. Elvis Osung, described the centre as a living tribute to his late mother, Grace Efiong Osung, whose life, he said, was defined by faith, love, sacrifice, and selfless service to humanity.
Introducing the foundation, the Chancellor, Dr. Monday E. Dickson highlighted that beyond healthcare, Mr. Osung has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to social development. Over the past three years, he has awarded educational grants to deserving students across the five local government areas of Oro nation.
He also said that My Osung conducted free medical outreach programmes, and recognised top JAMB scorers in Akwa Ibom State with special educational awards.
The health centre is fully equipped with modern medical facilities, including a pharmacy, laboratory, labour ward, consulting rooms, male and female wards, nurses’ station, and residential lodges for medical personnel.