News
Otti inaugurates 100-bed multipurpose Hospital in Abia
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Wednesday inaugurated a 100-bed Sustainable Development Multipurpose Hospital in Obeaja, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.
Speaking during the ceremony, Otti said that health occupied a major position in Abia Government’s rebuilding agenda adding that the hospital would enhance efforts made to improve access to quality healthcare.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 100-bed capacity hospital is a Federal Government’s health intervention programme executed through the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The governor commended the federal government for prioritising completion of the hospital and for renaming it from the erstwhile Mother and Child Hospital to Sustainable Development Multipurpose Hospital.
Otti also thanked the federal government for delivering and transitioning the management of the hospital to the state government.
He said: ”I will like to thank you for your commitment to see to the completion of this project.
”Also the assurance that you gave that the state government will take over the management of the hospital.”
Otti said that the state government would provide additional land for the Federal Government to build the hospital’s doctors’ quarters.
According to him, the government’s intervention programme which highlighted the importance of SDG 3, emphasises the need for government and stakeholders to strengthen the campaign against maternal and child mortality.
”It is interesting to hear from Her Excellency that our maternal mortality rate has reduced from a 1,047 that it used to be in 2020 to the 531 it was in 2022.
”If I were to quote her, she says it has gone down to 136 presently, that means we are doing well but we’re not there yet, we still have a long way to go but we have moved.
”The current numbers are not here yet but I can assure you that by the time the numbers will start coming out, we will be getting downward to actually less than 80.
”This is because Abia government is very deliberate, intentional and focused on healthcare delivery,” he said.
Otti said that the state government would provide 24 hours security and set up a facility management team that would ensure the hospital remains in good working condition.
In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said that the project was conceived by the administration of the former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Orelope-Adefulire said that the facility was built to meet the healthcare needs of people of the area.
She said that similar projects had been executed across the country under the SDGs to improve the well-being of citizens.
Orelope-Adefulire described the hospital as an intervention which aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
She highlighted the federal government’s commitment to prioritising key interventions with multiplier effects on eradicating multidimensional poverty in the country.
In her address, the Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, described the hospital as a testament of government’s unwavering commitment to improve healthcare in alignment with SDGs.
Mrs Otti, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, expressed confidence that the facility would enhance access to healthcare services and improve health outcomes.
In his remark, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ugwunagbo LGA, Mr Nosike Ihesiaba, described the hospital as a welcome development.
Ihesiaba commended the state government for efforts in promoting socioeconomic growth in rural communities in all the 17 LGAs of the state.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, expressed the confidence that the facility would provide comprehensive care, especially for women and children who often face most challenges in healthcare systems.
Uma-Kalu described the facility as another milestone towards ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Hospital Management Board, Dr Odochi Azubuike, commended the Federal Government for its commitment to improving the health indices of the citizenry.
Uma-Kalu said that the facility had been fully equipped to provide antenatal care, management of child diseases and general medical services.
In an interview with newsmen, the Deputy Transition Committee Chairman of Ugwunagbo LGA, Mr Kelvin Chijioke, described the facility as “a first of its kind” in the area.
Chijioke said that he was delighted over the siting of the hospital in the Ugwunagbo and the benefits accruable to the people.
He said that communities in the area would take ownership of the health facility to ensure that it fulfills its purpose optimally for the benefit of everyone it serves.(NAN
Catholic cardinals have elected Robert Prevost, the first Pope from the United States of America, who has taken the new name Pope Leo XIV after the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting on Thursday.
Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi said it took cardinals only four rounds of voting to pick a new pope and that white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel chimney after a day’s voting is “a clear sign of the unity of the Church. ”
The Pontiff, picked even faster than his predecessor, Francis, appeared on the Vatican balcony amid enthusiastic cheers from thousands of faithful who packed St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday to witness the historic event.
“May peace be with all of you,” he said from the Vatican balcony after paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his life to the service of humanity. He stressed that he wants to deliver his blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his last appearance in St Peter’s Square.
After concluding his speech, the new Pope started reading a religious passage in Latin, paying homage to the saints and the Madonna. The pope continued with a message of peace and noted, “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.
“Without fear, united hand in hand with God, we are the Disciples of Christ, and the world needs his light.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I want to offer a greeting of peace to your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you,” he said.
Chicago-born Prevost, 69, is seen as a reformer who worked for many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there.
The cardinals strongly perceived that the new pope would need to carry forward Pope Francis’s legacy of reaching out to those on the margins and bring along with him a wide spectrum of those within the Church, including those with whom Pope Francis was sometimes at loggerheads.
Observers considered Cardinal Robert Prevost a candidate who could fulfil that role—someone who could be a bridge between different worlds.
The fact that the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting suggests that the cardinals agreed with that assessment.
Robert Prevost will be the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter. Although he is the first American to fill the role of Pope, he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru before becoming an archbishop there.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Ecuadorian and French descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Although he moved to Peru three years later, he returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a priest in his home city.
He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in northwestern Peru.
He is well known to cardinals because of his high-profile role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, which has the critical task of selecting and supervising bishops. Francis made him a cardinal less than two years ago.
As Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals who took part in the conclave, it is unsurprising that someone like Prevost was elected, even if he was only recently appointed.
He will be seen as a figure who favoured the continuity of Francis’ reforms in the Catholic Church. Prevost is believed to have shared Francis’ views on migrants, the poor and the environment.
He will be fully aware of the divisions within the Catholic Church, and his Latin American background also represents continuity after a Pope who came from Argentina.
During his time as archbishop in Peru, he did not escape the sexual abuse scandals that have clouded the Church. However, his diocese fervently denied he had been involved in any attempted cover-up.
Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that during gatherings of the College of Cardinals in the days before the conclave they emphasised the need for a pope with “a prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair”.
Top 10 Things to Know About the New Pope, Robert Francis Prevost
1. First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States, born in Chicago, Illinois.
2. Elected as the 267th Pope
He was chosen after a swift two-day conclave, becoming the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Age and New Namel
At 69 years old, he adopted the papal name Leo XIV upon his election.
4. Deep Missionary Experience in Latin America
Prevost spent over a decade in Peru as a bishop and seminary educator, gaining respect for his pastoral leadership and cultural fluency.
5. Leader of the Augustinian Order
He led the Augustinians globally for over ten years, managing an international religious community.
6. Key Vatican Roles
Before becoming pope, he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America—two influential positions in Church governance.
7. Academic and Legal Scholar
He holds degrees in mathematics, theology, and canon law, and has taught canon law in Latin America.
8. Calm, Reform-Oriented Leader
Known for his consensus-building style, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a clear-headed reformer continuing the legacy of Pope Francis.
9. Advocate for Women’s Inclusion
He supports meaningful female participation in Church governance, emphasising their real impact within Vatican bodies.
10. Mission-Driven Papacy
Pope Leo XIV remains committed to missionary work, global outreach, and addressing challenging issues like clerical abuse with humility and resolve.
Catholic cardinals have elected Robert Prevost, the first Pope from the United States of America, who has taken the new name Pope Leo XIV after the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting on Thursday.
Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi said it took cardinals only four rounds of voting to pick a new pope and that white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel chimney after a day’s voting is “a clear sign of the unity of the Church. ”
The Pontiff, picked even faster than his predecessor, Francis, appeared on the Vatican balcony amid enthusiastic cheers from thousands of faithful who packed St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday to witness the historic event.
“May peace be with all of you,” he said from the Vatican balcony after paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his life to the service of humanity. He stressed that he wants to deliver his blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his last appearance in St Peter’s Square.
After concluding his speech, the new Pope started reading a religious passage in Latin, paying homage to the saints and the Madonna. The pope continued with a message of peace and noted, “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.
“Without fear, united hand in hand with God, we are the Disciples of Christ, and the world needs his light.
“Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected. I want to offer a greeting of peace to your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you,” he said.
Chicago-born Prevost, 69, is seen as a reformer who worked for many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there.
The cardinals strongly perceived that the new pope would need to carry forward Pope Francis’s legacy of reaching out to those on the margins and bring along with him a wide spectrum of those within the Church, including those with whom Pope Francis was sometimes at loggerheads.
Observers considered Cardinal Robert Prevost a candidate who could fulfil that role—someone who could be a bridge between different worlds.
The fact that the conclave decided in just four rounds of voting suggests that the cardinals agreed with that assessment.
Robert Prevost will be the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter. Although he is the first American to fill the role of Pope, he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru before becoming an archbishop there.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Ecuadorian and French descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Although he moved to Peru three years later, he returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a priest in his home city.
He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in northwestern Peru.
He is well known to cardinals because of his high-profile role as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, which has the critical task of selecting and supervising bishops. Francis made him a cardinal less than two years ago.
As Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals who took part in the conclave, it is unsurprising that someone like Prevost was elected, even if he was only recently appointed.
He will be seen as a figure who favoured the continuity of Francis’ reforms in the Catholic Church. Prevost is believed to have shared Francis’ views on migrants, the poor and the environment.
He will be fully aware of the divisions within the Catholic Church, and his Latin American background also represents continuity after a Pope who came from Argentina.
During his time as archbishop in Peru, he did not escape the sexual abuse scandals that have clouded the Church. However, his diocese fervently denied he had been involved in any attempted cover-up.
Before the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that during gatherings of the College of Cardinals in the days before the conclave they emphasised the need for a pope with “a prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair”.
Top 10 Things to Know About the New Pope, Robert Francis Prevost
1. First American Pope
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States, born in Chicago, Illinois.
2. Elected as the 267th Pope
He was chosen after a swift two-day conclave, becoming the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
3. Age and New Namel
At 69 years old, he adopted the papal name Leo XIV upon his election.
4. Deep Missionary Experience in Latin America
Prevost spent over a decade in Peru as a bishop and seminary educator, gaining respect for his pastoral leadership and cultural fluency.
5. Leader of the Augustinian Order
He led the Augustinians globally for over ten years, managing an international religious community.
6. Key Vatican Roles
Before becoming pope, he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America—two influential positions in Church governance.
7. Academic and Legal Scholar
He holds degrees in mathematics, theology, and canon law, and has taught canon law in Latin America.
8. Calm, Reform-Oriented Leader
Known for his consensus-building style, Pope Leo XIV is seen as a clear-headed reformer continuing the legacy of Pope Francis.
9. Advocate for Women’s Inclusion
He supports meaningful female participation in Church governance, emphasising their real impact within Vatican bodies.
10. Mission-Driven Papacy
Pope Leo XIV remains committed to missionary work, global outreach, and addressing challenging issues like clerical abuse with humility and resolve.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
As the 2027 general elections approach, respected elder and retired military officer, Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora, in a press statement today, made a compelling public appeal to the people of ZangoKataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, stressing the importance of adhering to the long-established zoning formula. He called all political actors and constituents to respect Zoning arrangement that has long fostered unity, stability, and inclusiveness in the region.
Speaking on the issue of zoning arrangement, Gen. Gora acknowledged the deep historical significance of the zoning system in ZangoKataf/Jaba federal constituency. According to him, the zoning principle wasn’t a product of political manipulation or favouritism. Rather, it was a mutual agreement among the region’s founding fathers a conscious decision to maintain equity, balance, and fair political representation for every community, regardless of size or influence.
“Our constituency has always stood on a foundation of mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation,” Gen. Gora stated.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as an increasing disregard for the zoning arrangement. Gen. Gora warned that political ambition and selfish interests are beginning to erode the spirit of unity the zoning system was built to protect.
“It is heartbreaking to witness betrayals of this noble system,” Gen. Gora said. “When individuals prioritise their personal gain over collective agreements, they plant seeds of division, instability, and mistrust. We must remember: a house divided against itself cannot stand.”
He urged politicians to resist the temptation of political shortcuts, reminding them that leadership is not simply about acquiring power it’s about sacrifice, responsibility, and service to the people and humanity.
Addressing those eager to contest in the 2027 general election for ZangoKataf/Jaba federal constituency outside the agreed zoning rotation, he advised them to wait for their turn. Gen. Gora was clear and unwavering: “Wait your turn.” He emphasised that respecting the zoning order wouldn’t only strengthens the democratic process but also reinforces the core values of justice and accountability.
“Leadership is more than occupying an office,” he stated. “It is a sacred duty rooted in integrity and humility. Those who seek to lead must first prove themselves capable of self-restraint and honouring agreements.” he said.
He also reminded his audience that breaking the zoning consensus for short-term political gain could have long-lasting consequences on social harmony and development within the constituency. In his stirring address, he appealed to all citizens youths, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders to prioritise the future over fleeting ambition. He called on everyone to defend the zoning arrangement as a legacy of equity that must be preserved for coming generations.
“We must not rewrite the rules simply to satisfy today’s interests,” he declared. “Let’s honour the collective sacrifices of our elders and protect the values they instilled through consensus and dialogue.” he stated.
Gen. Gora further emphasised that the zoning system was not just a political tool, but a symbol of unity, and its continuity was essential for maintaining peace, stability, and fairness across all communities in ZangoKataf and Jaba federal constituency.
In his closing remarks Gen. Gora call to action, urging every segment of society to rise above personal agendas and uphold the zoning principle as a unifying framework. He insisted that the zoning system remains the best path forward to ensure equal participation and representation. “To all stakeholders youths, elders, traditional leaders, and political actors let us work together to protect our shared values,” Gen. Gora said. “In doing so, we will secure a stronger, more united ZangoKataf/Jaba for generations to come.”