The Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday commissioned its newly completed secretariat valued at over N200 million and named after Nigeria's foremost medical icon, Dr. Akanu Ibiam, with members commending Governor Francis Nwifuru's investments in the health sector and expressing support for his re-election.
The facility, located at Agalegu Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area, was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, who represented Governor Nwifuru at the event.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the NMA, Prof. Charles Maduba, described the completion of the project as a milestone for the association, noting that it was achieved through financial discipline, sacrifice and the collective commitment of members.
He explained that the project, estimated at over N200 million, was completed within two years despite the association's limited financial resources.
"The greatest challenge was funding. We had only two years to execute a project worth over N200 million, whereas the total earnings of the association within the period were far below that amount. We adopted a 70-30 budgeting formula, dedicating 70 per cent of our income to the project and 30 per cent to running the association," Maduba said.
According to him, members of the executive committee sacrificed personal benefits by forgoing sitting allowances and other entitlements throughout their tenure to ensure the successful completion of the project.
"Our secret was financial prudence. No member of this executive received sitting allowances or other financial benefits during the two years. Every available resource was channelled into this project. When members saw our commitment, they voluntarily agreed during our Annual General Meeting to tax themselves in support of the building project. Today, it has become a success story," he added.
Maduba disclosed that the secretariat would house a research and wellness centre focusing on emerging non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, while also providing healthcare services to the host community as part of the association's corporate social responsibility.
He said the facility would equally serve as a research hub for studies on disease patterns, health-seeking behaviour and treatment outcomes.
The NMA chairman also commended Governor Nwifuru for implementing policies that have significantly improved the welfare of doctors and strengthened healthcare delivery in the state.
Although he noted that the association did not organise a formal endorsement, Maduba said the overwhelming support expressed by members reflected their appreciation of the governor's interventions in the health sector.
"As doctors in Ebonyi State, we highlighted the remarkable achievements of Governor Nwifuru in the health sector. He supported us indirectly in the construction of this secretariat, as every financial assistance given to the association by the government during festive periods and official visits was committed entirely to this project.
"Beyond that, his administration has transformed doctors' welfare. Ebonyi became one of the few states to fully implement the current Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), while doctors working for the state government were provided with official vehicles to enhance service delivery," he said.
Maduba recalled that the Nigerian Medical Association at the national level had earlier honoured Governor Nwifuru with a letter of commendation in 2024 for his outstanding contributions to healthcare development.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Prof. Robinson Onoh, described Governor Nwifuru as a leader who had demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the welfare of health workers.
Onoh said the governor's decision to provide Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for doctors remained unprecedented in Nigeria.
"I don't think there is any other state where a governor has provided SUVs for doctors working in the public health sector. When we support him, I believe he will do even more for the health sector and the people of Ebonyi State," Onoh said.
He also extolled the NMA leadership for its accountability in executing the project.
"If you are not accountable, such resources could have been diverted to personal interests. But every contribution made to this project was used judiciously. That is commendable leadership," he added.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, said the completion of the secretariat aligned with Governor Nwifuru's People's Charter of Needs agenda, particularly in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving doctors' welfare.
He listed the implementation of the current CONMESS salary structure, provision of official vehicles for doctors, construction of call rooms in general hospitals and residential accommodation for medical personnel among the administration's achievements.
Ekuma noted that the National Council on Health had acknowledged Ebonyi's welfare package for doctors as a model worthy of emulation by other states.
"This structure complements the governor's efforts in improving the welfare of doctors. It provides facilities for research, professional engagements and relaxation, thereby enhancing the practice of medicine in the state," he said.
Representing Governor Nwifuru, Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila congratulated the NMA for completing the project and commended the leadership of the association for its transparency and prudent management of resources.
She also commended the decision to name the building after the late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, describing the gesture as a fitting tribute to one of Nigeria's foremost medical pioneers.
"You have demonstrated integrity by completing this project with the resources entrusted to you. You have immortalised Dr. Akanu Ibiam, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals.
"My principal remains committed to supporting the health sector because health is wealth. Every genuine proposal from the Nigerian Medical Association will continue to receive the attention of the government," the deputy governor said.
She thanked members of the association for their confidence in Governor Nwifuru's administration, assuring them that the government would continue to prioritise healthcare and the welfare of medical professionals across the state.
The event attracted top government officials, chief medical directors of federal and state health institutions, senior medical practitioners, traditional rulers and members of the Nigerian Medical Association from across Ebonyi State.
