RismadarVoice Reporters, May 9, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has commissioned a modern Primary Health Centre in Mbiaso community, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, marking 120 years after the establishment of the area’s first health post by the Methodist Church Nigeria.
The new facility is expected to improve access to healthcare services for residents across more than 25 communities in Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.
Governor Umo Eno, represented at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umo Essien, described the project as a continuation of the healthcare legacy initiated by the Methodist Church in 1905 when the first health post was established in Ikot Ekpene before evolving into a General Hospital.
Essien noted that the church once again contributed to healthcare development in the area by donating the land used for the new health centre.
“What we have here can take care of everything from immunisation to maternal healthcare, malaria treatment, pneumonia and emergency services,” he said.
According to him, qualified medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, have already been deployed to the facility to ensure effective service delivery.
He also disclosed that an ambulance donated by the member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Jerry Otu, would further strengthen emergency response operations at the centre.
Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, commended the state government for siting the project in Mbiaso and praised the Methodist Church for donating the land for the facility.
He also appreciated community leaders and residents for supporting the successful execution of the project.
Providing an overview of the facility, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, said the project reflected the administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving medical access across the state.
He urged residents to utilise the centre for healthcare needs and advised pregnant women against relying on unregulated traditional birth attendants because of the health risks involved.
Traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders at the event commended the state government for implementing projects under the ARISE Agenda that directly impact local communities.
The commissioning ceremony also featured cultural displays and performances by women from the host community.
