The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, on Wednesday officially commissioned the newly reconstructed and fully equipped Primary Health Care Centre, Aniofu, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for residents across the Local Government Area.
The commissioning ceremony, held at Aniofu in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, formed part of activities marking the second anniversary of the Chinye administration.
Speaking during the inauguration, Hon. Chinye expressed gratitude to God for making the reconstruction and completion of the health facility possible, noting that the project fulfilled a promise he made to the people of Aniofu shortly after assuming office.
He recalled that when his administration came on board two years ago, the Primary Health Care Centre was in a deplorable state and had become unsafe for both health workers and patients, prompting the temporary closure of the facility.
According to him, he immediately resolved that the centre would be completely rebuilt, furnished and reopened with competent health personnel before his administration marked its second anniversary.
“I am delighted that by the grace of God we have fulfilled that promise. Today, as our administration marks two years in office, we are commissioning this modern Primary Health Care Centre for the benefit of the people of Aniofu and neighbouring communities,” he stated.
The Council Chairman commended the President-General of Aniofu Community, Mr. Peter Akabunwa, and other community leaders for their support and cooperation throughout the execution of the project.
He described the President-General as a passionate community leader, adding that the various Presidents-General across Aniocha North have continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the development of their respective communities.
Hon. Chinye disclosed that the Aniofu, Onicha-Ugbo and Ogodo Primary Health Care Centres were originally scheduled for simultaneous reconstruction by the Local Government, but explained that an illustrious son of Aniocha North voluntarily undertook the rehabilitation of the Ogodo facility.
He appreciated the benefactor for the patriotic gesture, while noting that the Local Government still complemented the intervention by providing a power generating set, chairs and other essential equipment in line with its original development plan.
The Council Boss further assured residents that the midwife currently serving at the facility would be fully engaged as a statutory staff of the Local Government, while additional health workers would be deployed to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Aniocha North Local Government Health Authority, Dr. Eduvie Ochoko, confirmed that the health centre had been fully reconstructed, furnished and equipped with the facilities required for effective primary healthcare services.
He commended Hon. Chinye for prioritising the health needs of rural communities and assured that the health personnel would justify the confidence reposed in them through dedicated service in line with the administration’s “MORE GAINS with Renewed Hope”mantra.
Earlier, the President-General of Aniofu Community, Mr. Peter Akabunwa, described the occasion as a historic moment for the community, recalling that the health facility had remained abandoned for years with leaking roofs, cracked walls and no equipment, forcing residents to travel long distances to access basic healthcare.
He said the Executive Chairman responded promptly when the community presented its plight, promising that before his administration’s second anniversary, the facility would be completely renovated, furnished and commissioned.
According to him, that promise has now been fulfilled.
Mr. Akabunwa disclosed that the renovated facility now comprises a delivery room, ward, kitchen, parlour, two consulting rooms, store, two toilets, two bathrooms, front and back corridors, among other essential facilities that would significantly improve healthcare delivery in Aniofu and neighbouring communities.
While expressing profound appreciation to the Council Chairman for what he described as responsive and people-oriented leadership, the President-General assured that the community would safeguard and maintain the facility.
He also pledged the continued support of the people of Aniofu for the Chinye administration and appealed for additional assistance through the provision of solar power to energise the community borehole and the extension of potable water to the health centre to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
The highlight of the event was the official commissioning of the reconstructed Primary Health Care Centre by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Sir Mathew Chinye, who performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to declare the facility open for public use.
The Executive Chairman was accompanied by the Vice Chairman; Hon. Nneka Clara Dibie, the Leader of the Legislative Arm; Hon. Raphael Uzo, the APC Chairman in Aniocha North; Sir Mathew Chinye, the APC Candidate for Aniocha North Constituency I; Engr. Fidel Onwodi, the APC Candidate for Aniocha North Constituency II; Dr. Alexander Awunor, councillors, supervisors, and senior officials of the Local Government.
