Army donate health centre to Abia community
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Nigeria Army has donated a newly completed and equipped Primary Health Centre to the Umuchieze community in Umunneochi Local Government Area Abia State.
Speaking on Saturday during commissioning of the facility Governor Alex Otti, commended the Army for its commitment towards the comprehensive well-being of civilian populations by providing the health centre in the community.
He said project is a salient proof of the intricate linkage between security and health in societal development and peace.
Otti who was represented by the state commissioner for health Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the gesture aligns with the broader policy direction of his administration to provide quality healthcare service to the Abia residents.
He revealed that his administration had embarked on renovation and retrofitting of 200 primary health centres across the state in 100 days because of the importance it attaches to well being of Abia residents.
Gov. Otti maintained that the nexus of health and security forms a reciprocal loop for ensuring societal stability and security, adding that security also guarantees the protection of public health.
The Abia chief executive pointed out that threats to health can pose significant risks to national security, as has being witnessed over time, pointing out that the state government will ensure that the centre receives adequate number of staff it requires to serve the community.
He said, “This health centre that has been built and donated by the Nigerian army, well equipped, as I went through, I was very highly impressed with the state of the facilities, the state of the architectural and civil works, and of course the concepts that have been put into place to make this a modern, fitting health care centre.
” So this health centre, built in honour of a revered fallen soldier, and a revered traditional symbol, is a true example of visionary civil-military responsibility. It represents a great addition to our health care infrastructure rejuvenation, and will serve this community to complement the efforts of government.
“Our policy cross-cutting activities include a whole ecosystem of infrastructure renewal. We have also commenced the renovation and equipping of general hospitals across the state. The state government is also constructing a specialist hospital in each of the three senatorial zones, all to ensure that that Abia residents and visitors receives adequate attention during health emergency.
“We therefore commend the Nigerian army, and all those who have, in one way or the other, contributed to the success story that we are witnessing today.
“Partnerships like this are what we need to drive sustainable improvements in the health sector. Therefore I encourage continued collaboration between the military and civilian organisations, government and non-government institutions, in building a more resilient and responsive health care system, not just in Abia, but across Nigeria. I encourage the Umuchieze community to own, utilize and protect this facility to ensure uninterrupted health care delivery”.
Earlier in his speech the chief of Army staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the construction, completion, and commissioning of the health care facility is a testament to the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthen civil military cooperation and relations with the good people of Umuchieze.
Oluyede who was represented by MAJ Gen K O Aligbe,commander training and doctrine command revealed that the facility was named after HRM late Eze Ruben, Okwale, (Chieze II of Umuchieze) in recognition of his military service to the Nigerian Army before going on retirement at the rank of Major.
He said “This project and other similar efforts are deliberately aimed at giving back to the society
or complementing the infrastructural development efforts undertaken by the state, federal, and other stakeholders.
“This primary health care facility was thus conceptualized and executed in consultation with Umuchieze autonomous community for the provision of basic health care for the people of this community and neighbouring communities.
“The Nigerian Army actively fosters collaboration and strengthens relations with our local communities through such non-kinetic interventions. This is because the cooperation and contributions of the civilian population have been invaluable to the success of operational engagements in this regard.
“To this end, we have intensified efforts at contributing to the infrastructural development in local communities nationwide to enhance the quality of life of our people. Over 200 similar projects have been undertaken across the six geopolitical zones under the auspices of my special intervention civil military cooperation projects as well as numerous other quick impact projects.
“Let me remind you, the good people of Umucheze, that you must take ownership of this facility and ensure its maintenance and proper usage. We hope that it will be truly used for the good of this community and indeed anybody who is close by or passing through this place”.
In his address the traditional ruler of the community HRM Eze (BARR.) Moses M. Okwale commended the Lt. Gen. Oluyede for his leadership in seeing the project which was initiated before he came to office was completed.
The royal father also paid attribute to a former Chief of Army late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who initiated the project during his tenure as the General Officer Commanding the 82 division of Nigeria Army.
He also extended gratitude to Maj. Gen. Aligbe, the facilitator of the project for his foresight and drive that brought the project from concept to completion.
Eze Okwale said the facility stands as a beacon of hope and symbol of progress that will bridge the gap in access to healthcare and essential services that will improve the quality of life of community people.
He said, “We commit ourselves to the maintenance, growth and excellence. We will expand the range and quality of medical services, engage qualified personnel and ensure effective management. We will nurture this centre into one that delivers both primary and secondary healthcare services, one that future generations will be proud of”.
The royal father urged the state government and the Army to ensure that the health centre receives timely stock of drugs as well build staff quarters to accommodate the resident doctor and nurses.