ABSG VOWS TO BUILD 24 HOURS HEALTHCARE ECOSYSTEM TO THE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN OFF-GRID LOCATIONS

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has inaugurated the Abia State Steering committee for the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, Otti noted that apart from reviving the healthcare delivery value chains in the State, his administration is poised to build a system that offers best-in-class medical services to everyone who walks through the doors of any of the primary, secondary or tertiary health facilities in the State. This he said will give priority attention to the underserved communities in off-grid locations.

Gov Otti described the Nigeria Solar for Health Project as not just strategic to Abia State development agenda, but aligns perfectly with her integrated programme of excellence and effective service delivery in the health sector, and thanked the partners from the European Union (EU) for choosing Abia as one of the five states to participate in the project.

“This is an initiative that would not just transform the health system, it would simply bring life to communities, improving not just the activities around the health facilities and the longevity of drugs and medical consumables, it will support economic activities in surrounding locations and ultimately improve the living conditions of the populace”.

Governor Otti encouraged the European Union and other development partners to seek partnership opportunities in education, infrastructure, and agriculture in the state. He assured that he would offer all necessary support to protect investments aimed at creating a comprehensive partnership framework.

In his speech, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr Ikechukwu Monday, announced that the European Union funded 70% of the project, with the Abia State government contributing 30% under Gov. Alex Otti’s administration. He thanked the EU for choosing Abia as one of five implementing states and praised Gov. Otti for securing the counterpart funding. He stated that the project aims to provide continuous solar energy supply to healthcare facilities throughout the state.

In his remarks, The Commissioner for health, Prof. Uche Enoch, highlighted that inconsistent power supply in the country has increased morbidity and mortality rates. He emphasized the connection between power and health, noting that reliable electricity has enabled the refrigeration of essential drugs, vaccines, and life-supporting equipment.

Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, a senior stakeholder engagement manager for NHISP, presented an overview of the project, while Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section for Green Economy at EU Nigeria, commended Governor Otti for his administrative acumen towards improved healthcare delivery in the State.

Highlight of the occasion was the official inauguration of the Abia State Steering Committee of Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NHISP).

The Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojiekere, Honourable Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Bar. Chijioke Nwankwo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr. Kachy Etolue, and other top government officials witnessed the event.