The Concerned Abia Professionals is set to commission, ‘Abia Care Centre’, a 50-bed ultra-modern isolation centre with a functional molecular laboratory fully built and equipped by the group.
According to Mrs. Mary Ikoku in a statement on Tuesday, the event will hold on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, at noon.
Ikoku, who is one of its Project Implementation Committee members, said; “The aim of the project is to ensure Abia citizens get adequate emergency healthcare services in the event of a pandemic as well as to guarantee the state’s readiness for any eventuality from COVID-19 in the state. The health facility will also assist the state government in the fight against the pandemic.”
The Minister of State for Health, Senator Adeleke Mamora, is expected to official commission the project, while the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, is expected to grace the occasion as chief host.
The Abia Care Centre project, according to the statement, is dedicated to all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.
Project Initiator, Ngozi Ekeoma, said, “This project is a clear demonstration of the deep love we have for our state. This project presents to all of us a benchmark for the replication of many more of this type of partnerships for the betterment of our people.
She commended the support received so far from Abia State indigenes, saying that her interactions in the cause of executing the project had shown that the indigenes were willing to participate in the state’s development.
“May this also encourage us to work with government to create enablers that would help us bring our wealth home. As they say, Ka Aku ru ulo..,” Ekeoma stated.
On his part, the Project Implementation Committee Chairman, Johnson Chukwu, said the group, “Initially contemplated setting up a temporary tent but decided against it for a permanent structure that will not only serve for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, but will also be deployed to cater for other medical services in future, even after the pandemic.
“Abia Care Centre is not just an isolation ward, it is a fully equipped medical ward with molecular laboratory to ensure full diagnosis and treatment of persons infected with COVID-19.”
Chukwu, who also commended the efforts and monetary contributions made by Abia indigenes, home and abroad, added, “The people of the state and friends have joined hands to build this medical facility to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind. We, as a people, have once again confirmed God’s words in Genesis 11: 6 NLT.”
Dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Dr. Alex Otti, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Dr. Uche Ogah, Prof. Gregory Ibe, Elder E. E. Ekeoma, Uzor Kalu, Elder U. K. Eke, Uduma Kalu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Chris Nkwonta
Others are Onuoha Bourdex, Col. Austin Akobundu(retd.), Sir Johnson Chukwu, Chidi Ajaegbu, Goddy Ijomah, Alex Ikwechegh, Etigwe Uwa(SAN), and Chima Anyaso.
Also expected are representatives from Abia-American Health Systems Inc., Abia State National Association of North America, among other organisations.
