DEVELOPMENT
Abia State Government to Launch Phase Two of Project Ekwueme as Over 90% of 200 Renovated Primary Health Centres Near Completion
The Abia State Government has announced plans to commence the second phase of Project Ekwueme early next year, following the successful renovation, retrofitting and functionalisation of 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under the project’s first phase, which has now recorded over 90 per cent completion.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while highlighting the steady progress being made in the health sector, noting that the initiative is a critical component of the state government’s broader healthcare reform agenda.
According to him, Project Ekwueme is strategically designed to renovate, equip and fully functionalise all 948 state-owned Primary Health Centres spread across the length and breadth of Abia State, with the ultimate goal of strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery and ensuring accessible, quality medical services for all Abians.
Prince Kanu explained that the phased approach adopted by the government allows for systematic upgrades, effective supervision and sustainable outcomes, ensuring that renovated facilities are not only structurally sound but also adequately equipped and staffed to deliver essential healthcare services.
He further noted that the Abia State Government has continued to leverage partnerships with well-meaning individuals, private organisations and community stakeholders to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare, including free medical services, across the state.
In this regard, the Information Commissioner revealed that a fully built and well-equipped Primary Healthcare Centre constructed by a prominent Abian philanthropist, Chief James Umeh (Ike Abam), is scheduled to be officially handed over to the Abia State Government on December 26, 2025.
He added that the handover ceremony will also include the presentation of 30 housing units built for widows in the host community, further underscoring the growing collaboration between government and private citizens in driving inclusive development.
Prince Kanu reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration to revitalising the primary healthcare system as the foundation of a responsive and people-centred health sector, stressing that improved PHCs remain central to reducing pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities while improving health outcomes at the co
mmunity level.