Otti Woos Federal Hospital Chiefs With Abia Medical City Vision As Abia Hosts 115th CMDs Meeting

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria to key into his administration’s vision for an Abia Medical City.

Governor Otti made the call on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the 115th quarterly meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria. The meeting was hosted by the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti said the proposed integrated healthcare ecosystem will position Abia as a hub for specialist care, research, diagnostics and medical technology in West Africa.

Emetu described Abia’s emergence as host of the meeting as a testament to the state’s growing profile in the health sector. About 85 CMDs, MDs and senior health officials from across the country attended the meeting.

The Deputy Governor said healthcare remains a top priority of the Otti administration, with 15 percent of the annual budget dedicated to the sector. He highlighted Project Ekwueme, which has led to the retrofitting of hundreds of Primary Healthcare Centres across the 17 local government areas of the state, and the massive recruitment of doctors, nurses and other health workers.

He added that the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centres at Amachara and Umunnato are being upgraded to meet international standards, while digital tools are being deployed to improve access and efficiency.

In his address, Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Saad Ahmed, said the delegation was in Abia to assess developments at FMC Umuahia and understudy best practices.

Prof. Ahmed commended the state government for the revitalization of PHCs and general hospitals, expansion of the Abia Health Insurance Scheme, and strengthening of emergency and ambulance services. He noted that members of the committee were eager to tour Aba to see more of the Governor’s development strides.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s direct support to the hospital.

He disclosed that the state government is currently constructing a 20-room VVIP Ward at FMC Umuahia to boost internally generated revenue and retain consultants. He also revealed that when two oxygen plants at the centre broke down recently, the Governor immediately approved funds for their replacement.

“This level of commitment shows that healthcare is truly a priority for this administration,” Onyebuchi said.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ogbonnaya Enoch Uche, Executive Secretary of Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ulu Kalu Ulu, Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Abisola Akeguge, members of the State Executive Council, and directors from various federal ministries.

The meeting ended with goodwill messages and a renewed call for stronger collaboration between federal tertiary hospitals and Abia’s health institutions.