The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a multi-million naira Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ugbawka community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, as part of efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
The project, executed under the Special Quick Impact Project initiative of the Chief of Naval Staff, was undertaken in honour of Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (retd).
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the facility underscored the Navy’s commitment to positively impacting host communities and improving civil-military relations across the country.
Represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, the naval chief noted that the Quick Impact Projects were designed to recognise distinguished senior officers who had served the nation meritoriously, while also delivering meaningful development to communities.
According to him, the Navy currently has 33 such projects across the country and remains committed to expanding its social intervention footprint.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the health facility would not only improve healthcare delivery in Ugbawka but also attract qualified health professionals to the area.
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, disclosed that the state government had equipped the centre with furniture, medical equipment and healthcare personnel.
He said the facility would operate round the clock, with accommodation for staff and solar-powered electricity to guarantee uninterrupted services.
The governor also called on political office holders and philanthropists to support residents by enrolling them in the state health insurance scheme, which costs N12,000 per person annually.
Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Chief Nnoli Nnaji, commended the Navy for collaborating with the state government and the community to ensure the functionality of the centre.
He pledged to sponsor health insurance coverage for 50 persons in each of the 28 wards within his constituency and promised to explore the provision of tricycle ambulances to strengthen emergency response services.
The traditional ruler of Ugbawka, Igwe Sunday Nwobodo, expressed appreciation to the naval authorities for honouring their son, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu (retd), with the project.
He announced that he had paid for the pre-registration of the first 100 residents to access healthcare services at the facility and assured that the community would take full ownership and responsibility for its protection and maintenance.
In his response, Rear Admiral Nwatu (retd) thanked the Chief of Naval Staff for approving and funding the project, as well as the Enugu State Government and Ministry of Health for their partnership.
He revealed that the healthcare centre was named after his late father and former Igwe-elect, Major Emmanuel Nwatu, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the development and wellbeing of the Ugbawka community.
