Youths in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State have lauded the Chairman of the council, Dr Eric Odo, for interventions and the upgrade of Ogbede Cottage Hospital in the council area.
The upgrade of the health facility included: provision of 24-hour solar power, an emergency ambulance, and medical equipment for various departments and units of the facility. Speaking to newsmen after youths’ inspection tour of the facility on Tuesday, the Coordinator of Igbo-Etiti Youth Council, Engr. Stephen Ejiofor, described the improvement as a significant contribution to grassroots healthcare delivery.
Ejiofor said that dependable power remained essential for maintaining critical hospital operations, including lighting, laboratory services, refrigeration and the use of medical equipment.
“The combination of reliable power, emergency transportation and functional medical equipment strengthens the hospital’s capacity to provide essential services to residents without requiring patients to travel unnecessarily far for basic healthcare.
“As organised youth body, we consider it appropriate to acknowledge projects that have a direct impact on residents and communities across Igbo-Etiti council area. Beyond the immediate intervention, we urge relevant authorities to establish effective maintenance arrangements to ensure that the healthcare infrastructure and amenities remain operational over a long time,” he said.
The youth leader also called on residents to own and treat the hospital as a shared community asset as well as ensure its protection.
“The true measure of public investment is not only what is commissioned, but what continues to work and serve people long after the ceremony,” he said.
The intervention at Ogbede Cottage Hospital is viewed by youths as part of Odo’s record of public service in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
