. As Otti unveils new roads in Aba, flags off Enyimba hotels reconstruction

By Steve Oko

The Abia State Government has approved a strategic partnership with a United States–based medical consultancy to retrain health workers, as Governor Alex Otti is set to unveil key road and hospitality projects in Aba this week.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

He said the collaboration between the State Ministry of Health and QANTUS Medical Foundation would train doctors, nurses and other health professionals on global best practices to improve service delivery across the state.

According to him, the partnership is designed to drive a culture change in healthcare delivery, enhance communication and improve patient outcomes.

Kanu also revealed that the government would soon functionalise 53 fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) under Project Ekwueme, while the Abia Q2 Health Pilot Project has commenced in selected hospitals and PHCs.

He further disclosed that Abia State will host the 2027 Annual General Meeting of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, describing it as a recognition of the administration’s health sector reforms.

On immunisation, the Commissioner said the Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign recorded 96 percent coverage, exceeding the national benchmark.

Kanu announced that Governor Otti will on Wednesday unveil the Ovom Street Road, Aba, and flag off the construction of the Enyimba International Hotel.

He described the road as a major engineering feat built on a reclaimed erosion site.

He added that the Governor will on Thursday flag off the construction of the Ukwa East General Hospital at Ohanku to expand access to healthcare.

Responding to questions, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the QANTUS partnership aligns with the administration’s drive for global standards in healthcare, noting that the training would be phased, starting with doctors and nurses before cascading to other health workers.

He also urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, assuring that vaccines used in the state are safe.

Present at the briefing were the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.