On April 14, 2026, Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, officially flagged off the 5-day Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) Medical Mission, a free healthcare outreach holding in Aba and Umuahia.

The event drew key government officials and stakeholders, notably the Mayor of Ohafia LGA Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, whose presence underscored the growing alignment of grassroots leadership with the State’s healthcare transformation agenda, alongside the other mayors including the Host Mayor, Umuahia North LGA, Chief Smart Ihuoma. Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini; Chairman House committee of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka T. Obioma (represented by the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Boniface Isienyi); Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, among others.

Declaring the mission open, His Excellency Dr Alex chioma Otti OFR described ANPA as a critical development partner in the State’s healthcare reform, noting that the initiative not only delivers free consultations and surgeries but also strengthens local capacity through training, mentorship, and global collaboration. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare and called for a structured, long-term partnership with ANPA, including digital health and telemedicine, to sustainably improve outcomes especially for vulnerable populations.

President of ANPA, Dr. Cliff Eke, commended the Governor’s leadership, noting that Abia is the first state to host back-to-back missions. The Health Commissioner disclosed that the mission targets over 1,500 consultations and 100 free surgeries.

The initiative also features capacity building for healthcare professionals and expanded community outreach, with a strong focus on improving access to quality care for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborns, and infants further positioning Abia as a leading force in healthcare delivery in Nigeria and reinforcing the government’s commitment to restoring dignity through accessible and people-centered healthcare.

Eme Dike
Media Aide to Ohafia LGA Council ✍️