For residents of Idum-Mbube and neighbouring communities in Ogoja Local Government Area, access to medical care may soon become a matter of minutes rather than long journeys. That prospect came closer to reality on Saturday when the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, broke ground for the construction of a 40-bed Oturikang Hospital in the community.
The hospital, being established through Deputy Governor Odey’s personal initiative, is designed to bring quality healthcare closer to people who often have to travel considerable distances in search of medical attention. For families, expectant mothers, children and elderly residents in Idum and surrounding communities, the facility is expected to provide a critical healthcare lifeline when completed.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Odey said the occasion was not merely symbolic, assuring residents that construction would commence immediately. He said the project reflected his personal commitment to improving the wellbeing of his people and contributing meaningfully to the development of Idum and Mbube Nation.
The Deputy Governor appealed to the people to take ownership of the facility, stressing that the hospital was being provided for their benefit. He assured them that he would pursue the project to completion within months, while commending the traditional rulers and residents for their continued support for the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
For the community, the project represents more than a new building. The Buturo of Idum Community, HRH Buturo Peter Ejue, said the hospital would reduce the burden on residents who currently travel long distances to access medical attention, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the Deputy Governor’s genuine concern for the welfare of his people.
Ejue commended Odey as a proud son of the land and assured him of the community’s cooperation in ensuring the successful completion and effective utilisation of the facility. He also reaffirmed the community’s support for the Deputy Governor and the Governor Bassey Edet Otu-led administration.
At the ceremony, Lekwel E’ Mbe 1 of Mbube also highlighted the importance of infrastructure to the wellbeing and economic prospects of the people, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects, particularly the Ndok-Mbube Road.
He reiterated the government’s promise to extend the road to Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area, noting that improved connectivity would open up communities, facilitate movement and stimulate economic activities across the area.
The ceremony was attended by the Director-General of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Mrs. Vivien Otu; Director-General of the State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala; Chairman of Ogoja LGA, Hon. Chris Agbeh; Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong; Chief Dr. Peter Ojie; Mr. Emmanuel Anoh; His Highness Buturo Franklin Odey Agba, Clan Head of Idum South; traditional rulers, government officials and other stakeholders.
The highpoint was the N100 million personal donation by Deputy Governor Peter Odey towards the commencement of construction, after which he laid the foundation stone for the 40-bed Oturikang Hospital.
When completed, the facility is expected to do more than add another healthcare infrastructure to Ogoja: it will bring medical care closer to the doorstep of the people of Idum-Mbube and give families a greater sense of security when illness strikes.
By Ikongikwen Adie
