Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the proposed site for the construction of a new General Hospital in Atan Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area, marking a major step toward expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved communities across the state.
The approval followed an official inspection of the proposed project site by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, and members of his team, who assessed the location on behalf of the state government.
Speaking during the inspection, Prof. Uche said the hospital project was initiated on the directive of Governor Otti as part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare infrastructure in every part of Abia State.
“We are here on the directive of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, to inspect the proposed site for the Abam General Hospital.
“The Governor believes that every Abian, irrespective of location, deserves access to quality healthcare, and that is exactly what this project represents,” the commissioner said.
He described Abam as a densely populated cluster of communities that urgently requires a modern secondary healthcare facility capable of delivering comprehensive medical services.
According to him, the proposed site met all technical requirements following a detailed assessment, including accessibility, environmental suitability, climate resilience and adequate land size.
Prof. Uche commended the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, for his persistence in ensuring a suitable location was eventually secured after earlier proposed sites failed to satisfy the required standards.
He also praised the people of Atan Abam for voluntarily donating more than the required land needed for the project.
“The Abam people deserve a modern General Hospital. After carefully assessing this location, we are satisfied that it meets the standards required for the construction of a world-class healthcare facility.
“We appreciate the sacrifices and unity demonstrated by the community in making this land available,” he stated.
The commissioner recalled that previous administrations had proposed building a General Hospital in Abam without bringing the project to fruition, expressing confidence that Governor Otti’s administration would finally deliver the long-awaited facility.
He disclosed that architectural designs for the hospital had already been completed, while procurement processes were progressing, adding that construction would commence immediately after the necessary approvals.
“This project will not end as another proposal on paper. The designs are ready, procurement is ongoing, and we will soon move to the construction phase.
“Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, we are determined to build a hospital that will serve not only Abam but neighbouring communities for generations to come,” he said.
Prof. Uche further noted that the state government’s sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, modern medical equipment, skilled manpower and sector-wide reforms were already yielding measurable improvements, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
In his remarks, the Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, described the inspection and formal handover of the land as a historic milestone for the people of Abam.
He thanked Governor Otti for approving Atan Abam as the location for the long-awaited hospital project, saying the community’s decision to donate the land reflected its commitment to partnering with the government to improve healthcare delivery.
“Today is a formal declaration by my community that we wholeheartedly welcome this project.
“We are prepared to provide every necessary support, including donating more than the required land, because this hospital will bring development, employment opportunities and quality healthcare to our people,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Atan Abam community, the Chairman of the Community Union, Elder Kalu Ena Kalu, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for fulfilling what he described as a long-standing dream of the people.
He disclosed that the community unanimously agreed to donate the land required for the project and pledged its full support throughout the construction process.
“We are overwhelmed with joy. Governor Alex Otti is a leader who fulfils his promises and even exceeds expectations. Since he has decided to build this hospital, we have no doubt it will become a reality.
“On behalf of our community, we fully support this initiative and will continue to stand firmly behind the government in ensuring its success,” he said.
Elder Kalu also assured the state government of the community’s continued cooperation from the commencement of construction to the completion of the project, describing the proposed General Hospital as a transformational intervention that would improve healthcare delivery, stimulate economic growth and benefit generations of residents across the Abam area.
