Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said his administration was intentional about enhancing the standard of living of the citizens, and not embarking on projects to score political point.
Eno made the assertion while addressing the people of Nsit Atai local government during the inauguration of a Model Primary Health care (PHC) in the area as part of his administration’s rural development drive and efforts towards improving healthcare delivery.
He stressed that the Health Centre was designed to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Nsit Atai and surrounding communities, especially to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates to the barest minimum.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, stressed, “I am excited because we are on track in the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, particularly the dimension that has to do with rural development.
“This administration does not embark on projects to score political points. We are intentional about enhancing the standard of living of the people. All our projects comply with global standards.
“It is impossible to talk about other areas of progress when sickness ravages the body unchecked. As we build roads, schools, markets and initiate numerous empowerment programmes for our people, we are conscious of the fact that they can only enjoy these things if they are healthy.
“This is why we are intentional about making healthcare accessible to all Akwa Ibomites, including those in rural communities.
“We are working towards a viable integrated healthcare delivery system, from primary to secondary before graduating to the highly sophisticated tertiary healthcare institutions. Without primary healthcare facilities, such as the one sited here, the other two levels will be unnecessarily over-burdened or made ineffective”.
Continuing, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity in the allocation of government projects, ensuring that no part of the state is marginalized.
While acknowledging contributions of stakeholders and entire people of the area in making the project a reality, he added, “For government’s efforts in this regard to be sustained for the maximum benefits of our people, the stakeholders must take ownership by ensuring the facilities are neither mismanaged nor vandalized.
“Development and true transformation will never take place if new projects don’t meet old facilities. Remember, if it is needed today, it will be much more needed in the future”,
In a project overview, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh revealed that, the Model Health Centre is equipped with a pharmacy, laboratory, steady power supply and staff quarters, amongst other modern health facilities.
