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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a significant milestone for rural healthcare advancement in Nigeria, the Renewed Hope Mothers and Child Specialist Hospital, a 100-bed facility, has been commissioned in Oko-Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The hospital, constructed under the Renewed Hope Agenda through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), is designed to reduce maternal and child mortality by providing comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care. It aims to enhance access to high-quality, equitable health services for residents of Ibiono Ibom and neighbouring communities.
According to a statement by Desmond Utomwen, Special Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication to the SSAP-SDGs, the development underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for vulnerable populations.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, commended the initiative, noting its role in complementing his administration’s efforts to deliver affordable healthcare statewide. “President Tinubu recognises that true national wealth is rooted in the health of our people. This hospital embodies that vision by addressing critical healthcare needs in underserved rural regions and advancing SDG 3 on good health and well-being,” Eno said.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised during the inauguration that the hospital is more than a structure. “This facility represents a renewed pledge to safeguard the health of our mothers and children, who form the backbone of our society. It underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to deliver quality healthcare to those who need it most,” she said.
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Orelope-Adefulire tied the hospital’s commissioning to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion and equitable development. She praised the President’s leadership, stating, “This administration understands that sustainable development begins at the grassroots, with accessible, quality healthcare as a foundational element.”
She acknowledged global challenges, including the “Triple C” crises—climate change, conflicts, and COVID-19—which have disrupted health systems and diverted development funding. “Despite these formidable obstacles, the opening of this hospital represents not only hope but also a strategic advancement in Nigeria’s health sector,” she noted.
The hospital features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including fully equipped operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, consultation rooms, and diagnostic facilities with an ultra-scan machine, vacuum extractor delivery sets, and fully stocked emergency carts. Designed to provide respectful, safe, and dignified care, it aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to SDG 3 and related development goals.
Orelope-Adefulire urged stakeholders, including the Akwa Ibom State Government, traditional rulers, healthcare workers, and community leaders, to support and sustain the hospital’s operations. She commended Governor Eno for creating an enabling environment and called for continued partnership to ensure the facility serves its purpose effectively.
