Alia's administration reaffirms commitment to healthcare at FUHSTHO amenity ward groundbreaking

Alia's administration reaffirms commitment to healthcare at FUHSTHO amenity ward groundbreaking

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration to strengthening healthcare delivery and infrastructure across the state.

Dr. Ode gave the assurance weekend through the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Ejeh Paul Ogwuche, who represented him at the groundbreaking ceremony of an ultra-modern amenity ward at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, FUHSTHO.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogwuche described the project as a landmark intervention and a testament to the philanthropy of the Chief Godwin Obla Foundation. He commended Chief Obla, a Senior Advocate, for his compassion and consistent investment in human and infrastructural development, urging other illustrious sons and daughters of Idoma land to emulate his example.

In what he termed a “homecoming,” Dr. Ogwuche said he attended the event in three capacities; as a member of staff of the University, as Commissioner for Health, and as the representative of the Deputy Governor.

Delivering the Deputy Governor’s written address, Dr. Ogwuche expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for establishing the Federal University of Health Sciences in Benue State, describing it as a strategic investment that will transform healthcare education, research, and service delivery in the region.

He noted that the University and its Teaching Hospital represent a beacon of hope for the people of Benue South and beyond, offering opportunities in medical training, employment, and access to quality health services.

Highlighting some achievements of Governor Alia's administration, Dr. Ogwuche disclosed that 98 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state are currently being renovated under the World Bank-supported IMPACT project, with 33 of them located in Benue South.

He further announced plans by the state government to construct a new General Hospital in Otukpo to replace the existing facility now under the University.

The Commissioner also cited other major development initiatives in the zone, including the revitalization of the Otobi Water Works, restoration of potable water to Otukpo and surrounding communities, and the construction of key roads such as the Oju–Awajir, Igumale–Agila, and Obagaji–Okokolo roads.

According to him, plans are also underway to establish a Benue South campus of the Moses Orshio Adasu University to promote balanced regional development in health, education, and infrastructure.

Dr. Ogwuche commended the Vice Chancellor of FUHSO, Prof. Francis Uba, and the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, Prof. Teddy Agida, for their leadership and commitment to the institution’s growth, assuring them of continued partnership with the Benue State Government.

The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other dignitaries, and was widely described as a milestone in the ongoing transformation of the state’s healthcare sector.