By Marvellous Ezenwa
Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State has taken another significant step towards strengthening primary healthcare delivery with the commissioning of the newly completed Umubialla Village Healthcare Centre at Ebe-Umubialla, Agulu, by the Mayor, Chief Romanus Ibekwe (Ezeugo).
The one-storey facility, constructed to improve access to basic healthcare services, attracted community leaders, government officials, healthcare workers, youth representatives and other stakeholders.
The commissioning further underscores the administration’s commitment to bringing quality and accessible healthcare closer to residents across Anaocha.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Ibekwe said healthcare remains a major priority of the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, noting that Anaocha Local Government is fully aligned with the Governor’s vision of protecting lives and ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare. He declared Anaocha a “healthy Local Government,” expressing confidence in the readiness of his administration to serve the people at a higher standard.
Ibekwe appreciated all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project and called on others to emulate the gesture of supporting community development and healthcare initiatives.
The healthcare centre was constructed from the scratch through the efforts of the Umubialla Village Youth Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Uchenna Ezekunie (Enyi na Agulu), Chairman; Mr. Abasili Ebuka Emmanuel (Mc Piccolo), Vice Chairman; Mr. Nwaorah Abuchi (Akaekpuchi Onwa), Secretary; Mr. Etoluo Malachy (Akukaririmkpa), Financial Secretary; Mr. Obi Toochukwu (Jibuaku), Treasurer; and Mr. Amaefuna Kingsley (Amabros), Provost/PRO. Despite setbacks, rejections and criticisms encountered during the project, the committee remained determined until the facility was completed.
The Village Chairman, Chief Okafor Ugochukwu (Ofia-Afuluagu), welcomed the Mayor and other dignitaries, including the Head of the Anaocha Local Government Health Department, Mrs. Udala Lucy, security personnel, monitoring and works committees, councillors, nurses and other medical personnel.
In his remarks, the President General of Agulu People’s Union (APU), Sir Emmanuel Ibeneme, described the commissioning as a memorable occasion for Umubialla Village, Agulu and the entire Anaocha community. He commended the quality of the project, noting that the facility was properly planned, executed and equipped to meet the required standards of the Ministry of Health.
Ibeneme also praised Mayor Ibekwe for his visionary leadership, recalling that another healthcare centre had recently been commissioned at Nneohia, Agulu. He promised that the APU would work with relevant health authorities to ensure that the facility is properly maintained, while urging other President-Generals across Anaocha to emulate the initiative because, in his words, “health is wealth.”
He also commended High Chief Mike Enemuo (Ohamadike) of Agulu, the chief sponsor whose contribution, including the finishing touches to the building, played a major role in the project’s success
The Mayor assured the people of Umubialla that government support for the healthcare centre would continue, promising the deployment of nurses, midwives, practising nurses and volunteers to ensure effective healthcare delivery. He added that the facility would not only bring healthcare closer to residents but also create employment opportunities within the community.
The centre was subsequently unveiled and formally commissioned by Mayor Ibekwe amid jubilation from residents and dignitaries, marking a new chapter in healthcare development in Umubialla and reinforcing Anaocha Local Government’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of its people.
