Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has described the Ibom International Hospital and Ibom Medical City projects as major milestones in the development of the country’s healthcare sector.

The minister also commended Umo Eno for what he described as visionary leadership and a commitment to transformative development during the official sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital on Tuesday.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the event, Pate said the projects represented bold investments capable of reshaping healthcare delivery in Nigeria while positioning Akwa Ibom State as a destination for advanced medical services and medical tourism.

According to him, the combination of existing infrastructure, including the Victor Attah International Airport, Ibom Air and other supporting facilities, provides a strong foundation for the state’s ambition to deliver world-class healthcare services.

Referencing Proverbs 29:18, which states that “where there is no vision, the people perish,” the minister said the numerous projects undertaken by the governor reflected purposeful leadership and strategic thinking.

He noted that the Ibom International Hospital aligns with the Federal Government’s healthcare transformation agenda and the broader objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I want to commend you for your clarity of vision, your doggedness and commitment to getting things done for the good of your people. This is not my first time here. I have seen the things you have done, and I thank Your Excellency for this amazing leadership,” Pate said.

“From where I sit, I see the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I see the handshake between Akwa Ibom State and the vision of the President.”

The minister said ongoing reforms by the Federal Government, including fuel subsidy removal, tax reforms and broader economic restructuring, were designed to strengthen national development and create opportunities for transformative projects such as the Ibom Medical City.

He praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for what he described as prudent management of resources and assured the state of continued federal support.

Governor Eno described the project as one of the most ambitious investments undertaken by his administration and a critical component of the state’s long-term healthcare strategy.

According to him, the facility is designed to become a world-class, technology-driven and patient-centred healthcare institution capable of attracting patients, healthcare professionals, researchers and investors from across Africa and beyond.

“The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Three reflects my vision for healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State, which is to ensure healthy living and the wellbeing of our people,” the governor said.

“This vision forms the foundation for the establishment of the Medical Corridor initiative, with the Ibom International Hospital serving as its flagship project.”

He explained that the medical city will occupy approximately 100 hectares and will include complementary healthcare facilities and infrastructure designed to create a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.

According to the governor, the project was conceived to help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on overseas medical treatment by providing specialised healthcare services locally.

“The Ibom International Hospital is designed to help reverse the trend of medical tourism by delivering world-class healthcare services across critical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, trauma care, orthopaedics and critical care,” he said.

Beyond healthcare delivery, Eno noted that the project is expected to create employment opportunities, attract highly skilled professionals and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a hub for healthcare, tourism and investment.

He added that the project aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda as well as the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the healthcare priorities of the Federal Government.

The governor also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, noting that improved fiscal allocations to states had helped facilitate the implementation of major development projects.

Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, described the initiative as the beginning of a new healthcare economy for Akwa Ibom State.

He highlighted several achievements recorded under the current administration, including the establishment of an oxygen plant, expansion of emergency ambulance services, implementation of the state health insurance scheme, rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres and the recruitment of 2,854 healthcare professionals.

Other stakeholders at the event, including the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Adam Mogide, and the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, described the project as a significant step towards strengthening specialised healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

They pledged continued collaboration and support, noting that the Ibom Medical City has the potential to become a centre for medical research, specialised treatment and healthcare training.

In his welcome address, Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, alongside his counterpart from Ikono Local Government Area, Mrs. Oto-Obong Essien, commended the governor for initiating projects that have generated economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.

Umoh described the Ibom Medical City as a transformative investment and pledged the support of local communities towards safeguarding and supporting the successful implementation of the project.