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HomeOTHER NEWSFENRAD Seeks Transparency on Abia’s “Project Ekwueme” Healthcare Initiative

FENRAD Seeks Transparency on Abia’s “Project Ekwueme” Healthcare Initiative

In a bid to promote transparency and public accountability, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Abia State Government. The request seeks detailed disclosure of the specific locations and project plans for 200 primary healthcare facilities slated for rehabilitation under the state’s ambitious “Project Ekwueme” initiative.

The FOI request, addressed to Governor Alex Otti, underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring that public projects are executed effectively and equitably. It also aims to enable independent monitoring and evaluation of the initiative, which is expected to enhance healthcare delivery across all 184 wards in the state.

The Call for Transparency

FENRAD’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and Head of Programmes, Michael Ahunanya, jointly signed the request, which was made public on Saturday. The organization’s letter emphasizes the need for openness in the implementation of “Project Ekwueme” to ensure it achieves its intended objectives.

“As an organization committed to promoting transparency, public accountability, and effective governance, we believe that disclosing detailed information about this project will facilitate independent monitoring and tracking of its implementation,” the statement read.

Details Requested

In the FOI request, FENRAD outlined specific information they hope to obtain from the government, including:

  1. A comprehensive list of the 200 primary healthcare facilities, complete with their names and precise geographic locations (addresses and coordinates, where available).
  2. The project’s detailed implementation timeline for each healthcare center.
  3. Information on the contractors engaged for the project, including their designated scope of work at each location.
  4. The monitoring and evaluation frameworks established to track project progress and ensure quality delivery.

The organization also requested that the information be provided within the timeframe stipulated under the FOI Act, preferably in a digital format to facilitate analysis and public engagement.

Project Ekwueme: A Healthcare Transformation Agenda

Governor Otti’s “Project Ekwueme” is a flagship initiative aimed at revitalizing the state’s healthcare system. Announced as a top priority of his administration, the project involves the rehabilitation, remodeling, and retrofitting of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the state.

The initiative seeks to address longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It includes plans to equip each facility with independent power supply, efficient water systems, and modern medical infrastructure.

Governor Otti recently revealed that healthcare and education account for 35% of the state’s 2025 budget, further emphasizing his administration’s focus on improving essential services.

FENRAD’s Commitment to Accountability

Speaking on the motivation behind the FOI request, FENRAD’s Executive Director, Comrade Nwafor, stated that public accountability is essential to the success of projects like “Project Ekwueme.”

“Our goal is to ensure that this laudable initiative truly benefits the people of Abia State. By making this information public, we can foster transparency and encourage community participation in the monitoring process,” Nwafor said.

He also noted that the organization intends to engage stakeholders, including civil society groups and local communities, in tracking the progress of the project.

The Role of FOI in Governance

The FOI Act, enacted in 2011, empowers Nigerians to access public records and information. FENRAD’s request aligns with the spirit of the Act, which promotes transparency and accountability in governance.

By invoking the FOI Act, FENRAD seeks to set a precedent for citizen-led oversight of public projects in Abia State and beyond. The organization’s efforts highlight the importance of active civic engagement in ensuring that government initiatives meet the needs of the people.

Public Expectations

The FOI request has sparked interest among residents, who see “Project Ekwueme” as a potential game-changer for healthcare in the state. Many hope that FENRAD’s efforts will encourage the government to provide timely and detailed updates on the project.

“This project has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in Abia, but it’s important for the government to be transparent about its implementation,” said a resident of Umuahia.

As FENRAD awaits a response from the state government, the public is eager to see how the administration will address this call for transparency.

A Test of Governance

Governor Otti’s administration has been widely praised for its focus on healthcare and education. However, the response to FENRAD’s FOI request will serve as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

With “Project Ekwueme” positioned as a cornerstone of Abia’s development agenda, all eyes are on the state government to provide the requested information and set a new standard for governance in Nigeria.

For now, the people of Abia State await the next chapter in this unfolding story, hopeful that the government’s actions will align with its promises of inclusive and transformative leadership.

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