By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned the newly remodeled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital in Mgboko, headquarters of Obingwa Local Government Area, renaming the facility in honour of the late human rights activist and renowned pro-democracy campaigner, Chima Ubani.
The commissioning was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as part of the Otti administration’s efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and expand access to quality medical services across the state, the statement signed by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State released on August 26, 2026 via his X handle said.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said healthcare remained central to his administration’s development agenda, stressing that investments in the sector were aimed at restoring public confidence in government-owned health institutions and saving lives, particularly those of mothers and newborns.
He said the remodeled hospital would expand access to quality healthcare for hundreds of thousands of residents in Obingwa and neighbouring communities, adding that its strategic location would also benefit residents of Aba, Osisioma and other adjoining areas.
Otti expressed satisfaction with the modern features of the facility, which include a healing garden, digital data management systems, real-time inter-facility collaboration, technology-assisted laboratory and scan analysis, a well-equipped theatre, eye-care units, observation rooms and a renewable energy system designed to support uninterrupted power supply.
“We have reached a new milestone in the effort to modernise our health institutions to reflect the spirit of this age.
“This facility should remain open every night and day. It operates for 24 hours a day, Saturdays and Sundays inclusive.
“Whoever comes here for medical reasons must receive the attention and support they need, whatever their social or economic conditions,” the governor said.
Explaining the decision to rename the hospital after Chima Ubani, Otti said the honour was a tribute to the late activist’s courage, compassion and lifelong commitment to justice, democracy and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The governor recalled Ubani’s contributions as a pro-democracy campaigner, Students’ Union President at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation.
He described the late activist as “a mentor of the masses, one who died in pursuit of the very ideals that he lived for.”
Otti said the honour was intended not only to preserve Ubani’s memory but also to inspire present and future generations to embrace courage, service and integrity.
He assured that his administration would continue to support the family of the late activist while collaborating with medical professionals and other stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery across Abia.
The governor also expressed satisfaction with the involvement of community leaders in protecting the facility and warned vandals against any attempt to damage or steal hospital property.
301 health projects underway
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, described the hospital as evidence of Governor Otti’s determination to build a future-ready healthcare system in Abia.
Uche disclosed that the administration had undertaken 301 infrastructural projects in the health sector within its first three years, including the construction and equipping of 277 Primary Health Centres to standards prescribed by the governor.
He described the Obingwa facility as a digital hospital, noting that women in labour at Primary Health Centres could be linked to the hospital for specialist support.
“Obingwa has received more than a fair share of these projects, including 18 primary health centres, 13 of them under Project Ekwueme and five under Impact project,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, recalled that the hospital was originally built under the Local Government SURE-P programme and commissioned in 2015.
She said the Otti administration inherited the facility in a dilapidated condition, with no admissions, drugs or equipment, but had transformed it into a functional modern hospital.
Azubuike commended the governor for his commitment to the welfare of HMB workers and urged residents of Obingwa to take ownership of the facility and protect it.
Stakeholders Commend Otti
The Chairman of Save A Life Group, Dr. Richard Okoye, said the organisation was partnering with the state because of what he described as Otti’s visionary leadership.
Okoye expressed optimism that Abia could soon record the highest life expectancy in West Africa as a result of the administration’s investments in healthcare.
Similarly, retired Professor of Paediatrics, Prof. Kanu Nkaginieme, commended the governor’s healthcare reforms and urged community leaders to take responsibility for protecting health facilities across the state.
He also called on Abians to take ownership of the various projects being executed by the administration.
In separate remarks, the Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Labour Party State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubuike; Labour Party candidate for Obingwa, Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Dr. Okey Nwambu; Labour Party candidate for Obingwa West Constituency, Chief Mrs. Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko; Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike; and Eze Nwabiaraije Eneogwe, commended Otti for the hospital project and other developments in Obingwa.
They also pledged the support of the people of Obingwa for the governor and his party.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and other senior government officials.
