The Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended medical professionals across the state for their dedication and commitment to saving lives and improving healthcare delivery.
Governor Nwifuru gave the commendation in Abakaliki during the official commissioning of the ultra-modern Secretariat of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ebonyi State Branch, named in honour of the late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, the first indigenous medical doctor in the former Eastern Region.
Represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, GCEHF, the Governor praised the leadership of the NMA Ebonyi State Branch for its transparency, accountability, and prudent management of resources used for the construction of the edifice.
He also commended the association for honouring the legacy of Dr. Akanu Ibiam, describing the gesture as a fitting tribute to a medical icon whose contributions to healthcare and human development remain remarkable.
Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector through increased investment and policies aligned with the People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
He highlighted key interventions by the government, including improved welfare packages for health workers, the equipping of healthcare facilities across the three tiers of healthcare delivery, and strategic support for federal medical institutions operating within Ebonyi State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NMA, Ebonyi State Chapter, Associate Prof. Charles Maduba, expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru for his health-focused policies and commitment to improving the welfare of medical practitioners.
Maduba assured the state government of the association’s continued partnership, noting that the administration’s achievements in the health sector had earned widespread support among residents of the state.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, described Governor Nwifuru as one of the most health-friendly governors in Nigeria, citing the comprehensive transformation of healthcare infrastructure across the state as evidence of his administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
The commissioning ceremony featured the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and a guided tour of the newly completed NMA Secretariat.
The event was attended by top government officials and medical stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Emmanuel A. Echiegu; Deputy Principal Secretary, Chief Oke Oreke; Commissioner for Special Projects, Amb. Dr. Ngozi M. Obichukwu; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Felicia Nwankpuma; and other senior government officials and healthcare leaders.
