In Onitsha, Anambra state, Minister of State for Health Ekumankama Nkama performed the inauguration as jubilant residents looked on.

With the upgrading of the hospital to a federal medical centre, Nkama said that more doctors and other staff would soon be employed by the federal government.

In his remarks, Nkama praised the state governor’s efforts to improve healthcare in Delta State. He then said that he had spoken with federal authorities about providing more health workers for internships and training at the hospital.

He urged the staff and management of the general hospital to prepare for upcoming challenges, saying that those who are entrusted with much will be expected to give more.

In a welcome address on behalf of the Anambra State Government, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike thanked the president Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) for the honour done to the people of the South East states and Anambra in particular, describing the upgrade as a parting gift to Ndigbo.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, expressed his gratitude to President Buhari for completing the Second Niger Bridge project and upgrading the Onitsha General Hospital into a federal government health institution.