Gov Eno Expands Rural Healthcare Access, Commissions Health Centre in Ikot Ekpe
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a Model Primary Health Centre at Ikot Ekpe in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area as part of his administration’s efforts to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare in rural communities.
The facility, inaugurated on Monday, September 14, 2026, is designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to residents of Ikot Ekpe and neighbouring communities.
Represented at the commissioning by the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Governor Eno said the project was a fulfilment of his promise to the people of Mkpat Enin and a practical demonstration of the healthcare component of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
The Governor also disclosed that he would soon return to the local government area to commission the 10.8-kilometre Mkpat Enin–Efa Road, which connects Mkpat Enin with Etinan Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Engr. Emmanuel Inyang, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the health facility, describing it as a significant intervention for the people of the area.
Inyang assured the Governor of the continued support of the people of Mkpat Enin, saying the local government would reciprocate the administration’s development efforts during the next election cycle.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, who gave an overview of the project, said the Model Primary Health Centre was equipped with modern facilities and adequately staffed to provide essential healthcare services to residents of Ikot Ekpe and its environs.
According to him, the facility would reduce the need for residents, particularly pregnant women and children, to travel long distances in search of basic medical services.
In their separate goodwill messages, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo; Member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwem-Imoh Ita; former Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Lady Ekaette Usip; and President of the Eket Senatorial District Women’s Forum, Dr. Idara Ephraim Akpan, commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives in the area.
The stakeholders described the health centre as a modern facility built to World Health Organization standards and expressed optimism that it would contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality in the area.
They also commended the Governor for translating the ARISE Agenda into tangible projects and programmes across sectors, including road infrastructure, Model Schools, Compassionate Homes and healthcare.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Eshiet, who hails from Ikot Ekpe, commended Governor Eno for constructing and equipping the health centre and integrating it into the state’s healthcare system.
Eshiet also praised the administration for sustaining the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme and recruiting thousands of healthcare personnel across health facilities in the state.
He described the initiatives as measures aimed at bringing quality healthcare services closer to residents, especially those in rural communities.
The Permanent Secretary further commended the people of Ikot Ekpe for protecting the facility throughout its construction and urged them to continue safeguarding it while ensuring its proper use for the benefit of the community.
