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Abia State Centre For Rehabilitation Of Survivors Of Rape

Governor Alex Otti’s Healthcare Reforms Deliver Results

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…Federal Health Ranking: Abia Emerges Among Nigeria’s Best in Maternal, Infant Survival

 

Abia State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s best performing states in reducing maternal and infant mortality.
This is a landmark achievement attributed to Governor Alex Otti’s sustained investments and far-reaching reforms in the healthcare sector.

The recognition was announced during the State Executive Council weekly press briefing by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.
Following the release of the Federal Ministry of Health’s First Quarter Performance Dialogue,the nation’s flagship accountability platform that brings together federal health authorities, commissioners for health from the 36 states and development partners to evaluate health sector performance and monitor key indicators.

According to the report, Abia has recorded remarkable improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, disclosed that the state recorded only one maternal death in the first quarter of 2026, maintaining the figure achieved in the last quarter of 2025, while neonatal mortality declined from nine to seven, placing Abia among Nigeria’s leading performers in maternal and child health.

The achievement reflects the impact of Governor Alex Otti’s deliberate investment in rebuilding the state’s healthcare system through the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), expansion of health insurance coverage, digital healthcare innovation and improved access to quality medical services.

Under the first phase of Project Ekwueme, the state is revitalising 200 Primary Healthcare Centres alongside 77 World Bank-supported IMPACT PHCs. So far, 139 facilities have been fully functionalised, while 50 are currently being equipped and the remaining centres are nearing completion.
The upgraded facilities now provide modern equipment, improved maternal and child healthcare services, and digital health infrastructure that is transforming healthcare delivery across the state.
The state’s Digital Health Project is equally recording impressive milestones, with over 9,136 patients onboarded across nine public hospitals within the last three months, while enrolment into the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme has surged from 40,000 beneficiaries in December 2024 to 225,581 as of July 2026, reflecting growing public confidence in the government’s healthcare reforms.

Further demonstrating its leadership in public health innovation, Abia is spearheading a regional collaboration involving Anambra, Delta and Akwa Ibom States to domesticate a digital immunisation tracking system that links children’s vaccination records with other social data to strengthen disease surveillance, improve healthcare planning and ensure seamless access to immunisation records.

Prince Kanu also disclosed that rehabilitation work at Obingwa General Hospital has reached an advanced stage, with state-of-the-art medical equipment, Digital Health and Telehealth facilities currently being installed ahead of commissioning.
Beyond healthcare, the State Executive Council highlighted notable achievements across justice delivery, social protection and sports development.
The government recorded significant successes in protecting vulnerable citizens with the successful prosecution and conviction of two child sexual offenders through the NCHEDO Sexual Assault Referral Centre, reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against sexual and gender-based violence. Government has also established a Sex Offenders Register at the Ministry of Justice to serve as a deterrent and strengthen accountability.

The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection continues to expand support for vulnerable residents through medical and humanitarian interventions, while also providing assistance to the family of the late nursing student, Wendy Achumba.
In sports, six talented young footballers discovered during the Abia Dreamland Under-19 Cup have secured opportunities with European football partners. The Abia State Volleyball Team has returned to the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League after 23 years, while Abia Angels Football Club has qualified for the Nigerian Women’s Football League Super Six for the first time in its history.

Professor Uche urged residents to complement government efforts by observing proper food hygiene and safety practices to prevent food borne diseases, stressing that maintaining clean food preparation environments and safe drinking water remains essential to protecting public health.


The latest Federal Ministry of Health ranking underscores the success of Governor Alex Otti’s people-centred governance, demonstrating that strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, digital innovation, skilled manpower and primary healthcare can significantly improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

 

Abia State Centre For Rehabilitation Of Survivors Of Rape

Abia Women Affairs Commissioner Advocates Stronger Support For Boys At 2026 International Day Of The Boy Child Celebration

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The Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, has called for deliberate efforts toward empowering and mentoring boys to become responsible leaders and productive citizens, as the state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child.

Speaking during the celebration held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Dr. Aghukwa said the occasion provided an important opportunity to recognize, appreciate and invest in the boy child, whom she described as a vital segment of society.

Addressing participants at the event, the Commissioner stressed that while significant attention has been given globally to empowering the girl child, society must equally prioritize the nurturing and proper upbringing of boys.

According to her, this year’s theme, “Empowering Boys for a Balanced Future,” highlights the need to raise boys who are confident, disciplined, emotionally intelligent, respectful and purpose-driven.

She noted that true strength should not be measured by aggression or domination, but by character, responsibility and service to humanity.

Dr. Aghukwa expressed concern over the numerous challenges confronting boys in contemporary society, including negative peer pressure, substance abuse, violence, poor mentorship and the pressures associated with a rapidly changing world.

She therefore advocated intentional mentorship programmes, quality education, skills acquisition opportunities and positive engagements that would help boys realize their full potential.

The Commissioner expressed profound and heartfelt appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for what she described as his giant developmental strides and unwavering commitment to the welfare, protection and advancement of children and youths in the state. She noted that under Governor Otti’s visionary and people-focused leadership, Abia children are experiencing renewed hope through policies and programmes designed to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for them.

Dr. Aghukwa also poured encomiums on the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, for her exceptional love, compassion and motherly commitment to children across the state, especially the boy child. She commended the First Lady’s passion for child development, welfare, education and protection, noting that her sustained advocacy and support for children-centered initiatives have continued to positively transform lives and inspire hope among young people in Abia.

Speaking directly to the boys present at the event, she urged them to dream big, work hard, respect parents and teachers, embrace integrity and remain focused on contributing positively to society.

“You are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; you are partners in building a better Abia today,” she stated.

Dr. Aghukwa further expressed optimism that the celebration would inspire meaningful conversations, lasting mentorship and renewed commitment towards raising a generation of boys who would uphold the highest values of humanity.

She officially declared the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child celebration open and welcomed all participants on behalf of the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs.

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