“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commended the members of the NORTH AMERICAN COUNCIL OF EASTERN NIGERIAN ADVENTISTS (NACENA) for their decision to build an ultra-modern Diagnostic Center inside the Adventist Hospital and Motherless Babies Home at Ogbor Hill, Aba.

Governor Ikpeazu gave the commendation today when he spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Diagnostic Center at the SDA Hospital, Ogbor Hill.

The Governor said that it is heart-warming to note that our brothers and sisters who live in USA and Canada have pulled resources to build a Medical Facility for the use of our people here.

Governor Ikpeazu noted that the Seventh Day Adventist Church worldwide is known for her passion and commitment to the ideals of Education and Medicare, assured that the facility will, naturally be open to members of the public, irrespective of their religious inclinations.

He stated that a reliable diagnosis is critical to effective healthcare delivery and that the project is in line with his administration’s policy of establishing diagnostic services at Primary Healthcare Centers across the State with 6 pilot projects currently being set up. He said that his administration has mainstreamed the involvement of our people in the Diaspora in several areas of our life in the State, leading to the establishment of a Diaspora Commission in the State.

The Governor announced a donation of 25 Million Naira on behalf of the State Government in support of the project.

Earlier, the President of the East Nigeria Union Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Professor Bassey Udoh told the Governor that the project is a flagship project of members of the church from Eastern Nigeria who are residents in the USA and Canada.

He informed the Governor that the project is planned to be completed by October next year in time for the inauguration to coincide with the Adventist Centenary Celebration in Nigeria next year.

Professor Udoh also told the Governor that another group of Eastern Adventists resident in New York and Connecticut in America had completed the building of a brand new Administration Building inside the hospital premises.

In his speech, the National President of NACENA, Dr. Charles Imo told the Governor that the group is interested in the repatriation of their expertise and funds for the good of our people here. He said that their decision to build the Diagnostic Center is an attempt to improve health care delivery services at home. He thanked the Governor for his support to the organization for so many years. He assured the Governor that their plan is to complete the project as quickly as possible.

In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hospital and Motherless Babies Home Aba, Dr. Uchechukwu Elekwa told the guests that the proposed diagnostic center will enhance the hospital’s capacity to render improved medical services.

Former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt Hon Eric Acho Nwakanma, and other dignitaries were part of the event which had several Diasporans in attendance.