Abia State has been selected as the preferred location for a proposed multi-billion-naira stroke and neurovascular centre following the state’s participation in the 2026 Sweden-Africa Neurosurgery Symposium held in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia.
Kanu said Abia was selected in recognition of its achievements in healthcare delivery and the availability of qualified medical specialists capable of supporting the establishment and operation of the specialised medical facility.
He described the development as another major milestone for the Otti-led administration, noting that it reflected the progress being made in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
According to the commissioner, the state’s healthcare reforms and achievements were presented at the international symposium, where participants discussed the increasing burden of stroke across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and the urgent need for modern facilities dedicated to stroke treatment and neurovascular care.
He explained that the proposed centre would provide comprehensive treatment and management services for stroke patients in Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
Kanu added that the Ministry of Health attended the international conference with the approval of the state government to explore opportunities for partnerships and improve access to specialised healthcare services in Abia.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Health had recently received national recognition as a self-care champion, describing the award as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to promoting healthy practices and improving residents’ well-being.
In another development, the commissioner announced that the state government had established a multi-sectoral technical working group on frontline preparedness and response to strengthen its capacity to manage public health emergencies.
He said the group had developed an Ebola preparedness and response plan through various government investments and interventions.
Kanu further revealed that the administration had expanded the application of modern medical technology, particularly in specialised healthcare delivery.
He listed the completed Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba and another infectious disease facility and specialist hospital in Umuahia as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen its capacity to respond to Ebola and other infectious diseases.
On breast cancer awareness, the commissioner said the Office of the Wife of the Governor recently organised an awareness programme in collaboration with relevant organisations and the Ministries of Health and Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection.
He explained that the initiative was designed to educate women about breast cancer, encourage preventive healthcare practices and promote regular screening for early detection and treatment.
Kanu, however, confirmed that no cases of diseases of public health importance, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera and avian influenza, were recorded in the state between October 18 and November 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, the commissioner also provided updates on the state’s agricultural intervention programme, which is being implemented across all 17 local government areas.
He said the initiative, undertaken in partnership with the local government councils, was aimed at establishing sustainable agricultural enterprises, attracting investments, increasing food production and creating employment opportunities.
According to him, the programme is expected to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve food security and provide sustainable sources of livelihood for residents.
On housing development, Kanu disclosed that the state government’s housing scheme at Pocket Layout had attracted overwhelming interest, with applications exceeding the number of available residential units.
He said the government was committed to ensuring fairness, transparency and equity in the allocation process, adding that a lottery system might be introduced to guarantee a credible selection process.
The commissioner noted that the high number of applications demonstrated residents’ confidence in the government’s housing initiatives and their willingness to invest in residential properties across the state.
He further disclosed that the government was conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing housing estates and layouts to identify infrastructure gaps and determine areas requiring urgent attention.
The assessment, he said, would focus on internal roads, utilities, security facilities and other essential amenities needed to provide residents with a comfortable living environment.
Also speaking on the housing scheme, the Commissioner for Housing, Architect Chiemela Uzoije, confirmed that construction work had commenced at Pocket Layout.
Uzoije revealed that the project would provide 173 residential units, but applications had already exceeded 530, indicating demand far above the available houses.
He assured applicants that the allocation process would be conducted transparently, stressing that the government would not adopt the practices associated with previous housing allocations.
On concerns about abandoned federal housing estates in the state, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma, urged journalists to continue holding public office holders accountable, particularly regarding federal housing projects that had been officially inaugurated.
Ekeoma maintained that the Abia State Government had fulfilled its fundamental responsibilities towards the projects by providing the required land and meeting other necessary obligations.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that the projects receive the attention needed for their completion.
The proposed stroke and neurovascular centre is expected to strengthen Abia’s position as a destination for specialised medical services and improve access to advanced treatment for stroke and other neurological conditions across the region.
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