Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the state’s healthcare sector, assuring the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ebonyi State chapter, that every genuine proposal aimed at improving healthcare delivery will continue to receive government attention.
The governor gave the assurance during the inauguration of the newly completed NMA Ebonyi State Secretariat, a project valued at over ₦200 million and named in honour of renowned Nigerian medical icon, Dr. Akanu Ibiam.
Represented by Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila, Nwifuru congratulated the association on completing the landmark project, describing it as evidence of transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management.
She praised the decision to immortalise Dr. Akanu Ibiam, noting that the late medical pioneer remains a source of inspiration to generations of healthcare professionals.
“You have demonstrated integrity by successfully completing this project with the resources entrusted to you. Naming the secretariat after Dr. Akanu Ibiam is a worthy tribute to one of Nigeria’s greatest medical pioneers,” she said.
Obila reiterated that the Nwifuru administration considers healthcare a top priority.
“Our principal remains committed to strengthening the health sector because health is wealth. Every genuine proposal presented by the Nigerian Medical Association will continue to receive the attention of the Ebonyi State Government,” she added.
She also appreciated members of the association for their confidence in the current administration, assuring them that the government would continue implementing policies that improve healthcare services and the welfare of medical professionals across Ebonyi State.
Speaking after the commissioning, Ebonyi NMA Chairman, Prof. Charles Maduba, described the completion of the secretariat as one of the association’s biggest achievements, attributing the success to financial discipline, sacrifice, and unity among members.
According to him, the building, valued at over ₦200 million, was completed within two years despite the association’s limited financial capacity.
“Our biggest challenge was funding. We adopted a 70-30 budgeting formula, dedicating 70 per cent of our income to the building project and 30 per cent to the administration of the association,” Maduba explained.
He disclosed that members of the executive committee voluntarily forfeited sitting allowances and other benefits throughout their tenure to ensure the project’s completion.
“Our secret was financial prudence. No executive member received financial benefits during the two-year period. Every available resource was invested in the project. When members saw our commitment, they agreed during our Annual General Meeting to contribute additional funds, making this achievement possible,” he said.
Maduba revealed that the new secretariat would also accommodate a Research and Wellness Centre dedicated to tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
He said the facility would provide healthcare services to surrounding communities while serving as a research hub for studies on disease patterns, treatment outcomes, and healthcare-seeking behaviour.
The NMA chairman applauded Governor Nwifuru for introducing policies that have improved doctors’ welfare and strengthened healthcare delivery in Ebonyi State.
He noted that although the association did not officially endorse the governor, members overwhelmingly acknowledged his contributions to the health sector.
Maduba said government financial support received during festive periods and official engagements was channelled into completing the secretariat project
He further highlighted the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the provision of official vehicles for state-employed doctors as major milestones under the current administration.
He recalled that the Nigerian Medical Association had previously honoured Governor Nwifuru with a commendation letter in 2024 for his contributions to healthcare development.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA), Prof. Robinson Onoh, described Governor Nwifuru as a leader committed to improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
He said the governor’s decision to provide Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for doctors was unprecedented in Nigeria and had significantly boosted morale within the state’s public health sector.
Onoh also commended the Ebonyi NMA leadership for demonstrating transparency and accountability in delivering the multimillion-naira project.
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