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The Abia State Government has confirmed the employment of 649 new medical workers as part of its plan to recruit 771 healthcare personnel to strengthen service delivery across the state. The development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during an interaction with journalists in Umuahia, the state capital.
Prince Kanu said the recruitment exercise is a key component of the state government’s broader strategy to reposition the health sector and improve access to quality healthcare for residents. According to him, the newly employed personnel are already being strategically deployed to areas of need, particularly at the primary healthcare level, where the government has been investing heavily in infrastructure, equipment, and service delivery.
He explained that of the 649 health workers already employed, 432 are nurses who have been posted to primary healthcare centres across the state. These facilities, he said, are being equipped and made fully functional as part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots healthcare and reducing pressure on secondary and tertiary health institutions.
The commissioner added that although there is currently a shortfall of 122 personnel to reach the proposed total of 771, the Ministry of Health remains open to further recruitment even after the gap is filled. He noted that the state government recognises the growing healthcare needs of the population and is willing to continue expanding its workforce to meet those demands.
Prince Kanu also highlighted the calibre of professionals attracted by the recruitment exercise, revealing that among the newly employed medical personnel is a neurosurgeon with international exposure who chose to return to Nigeria to work in Abia State. According to him, the specialist had opportunities to practice in New York City but opted to serve in Abia due to confidence in the state’s leadership and ongoing reforms in the health sector.
He said the decision of highly skilled professionals to return and work for the state government reflects growing trust in the policies and vision of Governor Alex Otti, particularly in the area of healthcare development. Prince Kanu described the neurosurgeon’s appointment as significant, noting that neurosurgery is a rare and highly specialised field that would greatly enhance the state’s medical capacity.
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The commissioner further disclosed that Governor Otti has recently been voted the best performing governor in the South East by the Forum of Academic Doctors, citing what he described as massive transformation across various sectors of the state. While noting that the governor does not accept awards, Prince Kanu said the recognition underscores the increasing national and international attention on developments in Abia.
He emphasised that the state government does not lobby for or participate in award processes, stressing that such acknowledgements are independent assessments of performance. According to him, the administration remains focused on governance, service delivery, and sustainable reforms, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Prince Kanu concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuous improvement of the health sector, stating that the recruitment of medical personnel is part of a long-term plan to build a resilient, efficient, and people-centred healthcare system in Abia State.
