Agila, Benue State – Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, commissioned the 56-bed Agila Comprehensive Medical Centre, pledged the state government’s commitment to taking over the facility for effective management.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Dr. Sam Ode, described the centre as a “gigantic edifice” and urged residents of Ado and its environs to utilize it as a medical healthcare hub.
The hospital, built and donated by renowned banker Chief John Otse Aboh, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including dialysis and radiographic machines, a 24-hour solar power supply, and a motorized borehole for uninterrupted water supply.
During the commissioning, Chief Mike Okibe Onoja, the Agama Y’Agila and Akanaba K’Idoma, commended Governor Alia for his leadership and pledged support for his administration. He praised the governor for constructing the Igumale-Agila road, which he described as a major milestone in the community’s development.
He also called for the official demarcation of the Benue-Ebonyi border to sustain the peace between the Agila and Ngbo communities, urging the governor to liaise with his Ebonyi State counterpart to formalize the boundary.
Speaking at the event, Chief John Otse Aboh said the medical centre was more than just a healthcare facility, but a beacon of hope for the Agila people. He recounted the challenges the community had faced due to the lack of proper medical care, leading to avoidable deaths and complications from preventable ailments.
“In 2009, when I was honored with the traditional chieftaincy title of Odojoor, I emphasized that many children born in our time survived by the grace of God due to the complete absence of orthodox medical facilities. That pathetic situation persists. This centre is my modest contribution to addressing the healthcare challenges in Agila,” he stated.
Chief Aboh appealed to the state government to take over the facility, pledging the community’s willingness to provide all necessary assistance for its formal integration into the Benue State healthcare system.
The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, commended Chief Aboh for his generosity and dedication to improving healthcare delivery in Agila. She also praised Chief Mike Okibe Onoja for his unwavering support and leadership in the community.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche, described the project as “timely and critical” for improving healthcare access at the grassroots level. He commended Governor Alia for fostering peace between Agila and Ngbo and highlighted Ado’s rich natural and human resources, calling for government intervention in mechanized farming and mineral resource development.
Onwe Wisdom, a member of the Central Planning Committee from Onwa Agila, Ado LGA, also lauded the initiative, described the medical centre as a lifeline for the people of Agila. He emphasized the need for continuous community support and collaboration with the state government to ensure the facility remains functional and beneficial to all.
The Agila Comprehensive Medical Centre is expected to offer preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services while also serving as a training hub for medical professionals. Community leaders urged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its sustainability and proper maintenance.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and healthcare professionals, marking what many described as a new chapter in Agila’s healthcare development.
