Ukanafun Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State received a major boost to its healthcare system on Friday as Governor Umo Eno officially opened a fully equipped general hospital in the Ikot Akpankuk community.
According to a statement from the Government House Media platform on Saturday, this is the first operational secondary healthcare facility in the area since its creation in 1976.
The hospital began in 2009 as a cottage hospital project but was abandoned for years until Eno revived, rebuilt, and completed it under the State of Emergency on Healthcare initiative.
Speaking to a large, jubilant crowd, Governor Eno expressed gratitude for Ukanafun’s enduring support and, in the spirit of goodwill, announced the approval of funding to complete the Ekefe Road construction project. He directed the Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, to initiate mobilisation without delay.
The project includes a newly constructed access road and internal road network, which will finally resolve the longstanding difficulty residents have faced in accessing medical services.
The statement read: “History was made in Ukanafun Local Government Area on Friday as Governor Umo Eno commissioned a fully completed and equipped General Hospital at Ikot Akpankuk, the first functional secondary healthcare facility in the area since its creation in 1976.
“The hospital, which began in 2009 as a cottage hospital project, had been abandoned for years until Governor Eno revived, rebuilt, and completed it under the State of Emergency on Healthcare.
“The project includes a newly constructed access road and internal road network, easing the longstanding difficulty residents faced in accessing medical services.
“I am grateful to the people of Ukanafun for their support and have instructed the Commissioner for Works to mobilise immediately for the rehabilitation and completion of the Ekefe Road construction project.”
Governor Eno reiterated his commitment to completing abandoned but impactful projects, also approving the installation of an MRI machine and dialysis units at the new hospital to enhance kidney care services.
He assured residents they will no longer need to travel to Uyo for dialysis or related treatments.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Uyo Ukpanah, described the hospital as a restoration of pride and dignity for the area. He thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise and pledged Ukanafun’s unwavering support ahead of 2027.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, recalled that the hospital project was abandoned after its initiation in 2009 until Governor Eno intervened. He highlighted wider achievements under the Health Emergency Programme, including the construction of 18 new staff apartments aimed at improving personnel retention and hospital efficiency.
The Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, gave details of the newly completed access road project, while the pioneer Medical Superintendent, Dr Ekerette Sunday Dan, pledged to maintain high medical standards and ensure efficient service delivery.
