*Uzodimma Applauds Humanitarian Ministry, Highlights State’s Youth Empowerment Drive
Imo State has a new Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Okigwe following the conversation of the former FMC,Owerri, into a Teaching Hospital for Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) not long ago.
The pact to have the former General Hospital, Okigwe become Imo State’s new FMC was sealed Wednesday, June 3, 2026 between a Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and those of Imo State led by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
These were disclosed in a statement made available to People&Politics, and signed by Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Mr Oguwike Nwachuku.
According to the statement, during the signing of agreement for the conversation of the General Hospital, Okigwe to a FMC Okigwe, Gov. Uzodimma commended President Bola Tinubu for the speedy approval to establish a new FMC in Imo State, describing the move as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership.
Speaking at the Government House, Owerri during the courtesy visit by the Minister and his entourage, the Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for addressing what he described as a “longstanding gap in the State’s healthcare infrastructure.”
Uzodimma recalled that following the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education, and the FMC Owerri, converted to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Imo became the only State in the country without a FMC.
He said the State government therefore appealed to Abuja, which saw merit in the appeal, and approved the siting of a new FMC in Okigwe.
“To facilitate the project, the State handed over the General Hospital, Okigwe, as the take-off facility. We are happy that this agreement is being executed today. The ultimate beneficiaries are the people of Imo State,” the Governor stressed.
He thanked the President, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate and the Federal Government for absorbing the hospital staff and pledged the State’s continued support to ensure quality healthcare delivery across Imo.
Earlier, Dr. Salako commended the State Government for its achievements in the health sector, describing the State as one of the Federal Ministry of Health’s “flagship states” in healthcare delivery.
Salako praised Gov. Uzodimma’s investments in primary healthcare, health insurance expansion and specialist medical services.
“We see what Imo is doing in healthcare and consider the State one of our most cherished partners in achieving universal health coverage,” he said.
The Minister noted that the establishment of the FMC aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of bringing specialist healthcare closer to Nigerians and reducing medical tourism abroad.
He assured the State government of continued federal support, including funding, infrastructure and staff recruitment for the FMC, adding that existing hospital workers willing to serve under the Federal Government would be retained after an audit.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu; Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu; and other top government officials joined the Governor at the meeting.
Uzodimma Applauds Humanitarian Ministry, Highlights State’s Youth Empowerment Drive
In a related development, Gov. Uzodimma has praised the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for its support to Imo State, describing the Ministry as a strategic partner in the State’s efforts to reduce poverty and empower vulnerable citizens.
Speaking while receiving the Minister,
Dr. Bernard Doro, and his delegation in Government House, Owerri, Wednesday June 3, 2026, Uzodimma said his administration had aligned its humanitarian programmes with federal policies and successfully developed a credible social register recognised by development partners, including the World Bank.
The Governor commended the Ministry’s intervention programmes, particularly the transition from cash disbursements to bank account payments, which, he said, would enhance transparency, efficiency and security for beneficiaries.
Uzodimma also showcased Imo’s growing digital economy, revealing that more than 65,000 youths have been trained in various digital skills, with many now working remotely for international companies.
“Our digital ecosystem is creating jobs, reducing unemployment and helping to address insecurity by taking young people off the streets,” he said.
He disclosed that the State’s Digital City operates through a public-private partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, and has attracted collaboration from organisations such as the UNDP and the World Bank.
The Governor commended President Tinubu for economic reforms that have boosted State revenues and enabled sub-national governments to undertake impactful development projects.
Also speaking, Dr. Doro commended the State Government for its infrastructural and social development achievements while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to poverty reduction and empowerment initiatives in the state.
He praised Gov. Uzodimma for what he described as “giant development strides,” noting that he had reviewed a compendium of the administration’s achievements since his last visit during the State’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The Minister said the State had benefited from about N6.6 billion under the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme, a flagship intervention that provides N75,000 in three tranches to vulnerable Nigerians.
“The funds go directly to verified beneficiaries drawn from the National Social Register and linked to their National Identification Numbers,” he said.
He also announced plans for the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme and expressed interest in partnering with the State, particularly through the Imo Digital City Hub, to expand skills development opportunities and create greater impact for residents.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Uzodimma (r) with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Salako, after the Federal and State governments signed the pact on Federal Medical Centre Okigwe, at Government House, Owerri… Wednesday.
