Abia State Governor Alex Otti has commissioned a newly remodelled, 80-bed general hospital in Obingwa Local Government Area, renaming the facility in honour of the late renowned human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Chima Ubani.Speaking at the official commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Mgboko, the headquarters of Obingwa LGA, Governor Otti stated that the retrofitted, digitally equipped hospital represents a major step forward in restoring public confidence in state healthcare delivery and lowering maternal and infant mortality rates across Abia.
Why was the Obingwa General Hospital named after Chima Ubani?
The hospital, originally established under the Local Government SURE-P scheme in 2015, had fallen into complete disrepair without functional drugs, equipment, or inpatient services until the current administration undertook a total overhaul.The upgraded facility now features artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled diagnostic tools, digital data management systems, a healing garden, modern surgical theatres, eye care units, and round-the-clock solar power supply.Governor Otti explained that renaming the medical center as the Chima Ubani General Hospital pays tribute to the selfless sacrifices made by the former University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) student union leader and Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).
“We have reached a new milestone in the effort to modernise our health institutions to reflect the spirit of this age. This facility should remain open every night and day. It operates for 24 hours a day, Saturdays and Sundays inclusive. Whoever comes here for medical reasons must receive the attention and support they need, whatever their social or economic conditions.”
Elaborating on the decision to dedicate the institution to the late activist, the governor noted that Ubani’s lifelong crusade for justice, civil liberties, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians serves as a permanent beacon for governance.
“Naming this hospital after Chima Ubani is a tribute to his courage, compassion, and lifelong commitment to justice, democracy, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. This honour is intended not only to preserve his memory but also to inspire present and future generations to live lives of courage, service, and integrity.”
Detailed figures presented by Abia State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, revealed that the state has embarked on 301 health infrastructure projects across its three senatorial zones, including the construction and equipping of 277 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).He emphasized that the Obingwa facility is designed as a digital central node linking pregnant women and emergency patients at rural PHCs directly to specialist consultants.
“Obingwa has received more than a fair share of these projects, including 18 primary health centres. The 80-bed hospital is a demonstration that Governor Otti is building a future-ready healthcare system in Abia State, ensuring that women in labour at various PHCs can be linked seamlessly to specialists.”
Community leaders and political representatives, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended the state administration for delivering a digital hospital to suburban communities.With the facility now operational 24/7, healthcare administrators have urged residents to safeguard the medical infrastructure against vandalism and take full ownership of the institution. Will this digital healthcare rollout serve as a model for public health infrastructure across the South-East region
