Legislature
Stakeholders, Youth Applaud Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa As Bill To Establish FMC Ohafia Passes Third Reading
Stakeholders, community leaders and youths of Ohafia in Abia State have commended the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, following the passage of the bill seeking to establish the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ohafia, through third reading.
The bill, HB.257, which seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022, to provide for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ohafia, passed third reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The development has been greeted with excitement among residents and stakeholders, who described it as a major achievement for the constituency and an important step towards addressing the healthcare needs of the people.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Okam Ozurumba commended Osonwa for his efforts in pushing the bill through the House, describing the development as a welcome relief to the people of Ohafia and neighbouring communities.
Ozurumba noted that the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ohafia would go a long way in addressing the difficulties faced by residents who travel to other parts of the state and beyond in search of specialised medical treatment.
He praised the lawmaker for giving priority to the healthcare needs of his constituents and expressed hope that the remaining legislative processes would receive the necessary support.
Also reacting, Mr. Iroabuchi Ukpai described the passage of the bill as a major victory for the people of Ohafia, commending Osonwa for what he called his commitment to attracting meaningful federal government projects to the constituency.
“The passage of this bill is a monumental victory for our people,” Ukpai stated.
“Thanks to the proactive and dedicated efforts of Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, specialised tertiary healthcare is coming closer to our doorstep. This will drastically reduce the burden of travelling long distances for medical treatment, improve emergency healthcare services and save lives.”
Other stakeholders and youth leaders who welcomed the development said the proposed medical centre would, when established, improve healthcare delivery, provide employment opportunities for qualified professionals and boost economic activities in Ohafia and surrounding communities.
They urged the lawmaker not to relent in his efforts to ensure that the bill completes the remaining legislative processes and receives presidential assent.
The stakeholders also called on political leaders and other influential individuals from Abia State, irrespective of party affiliation, to support the initiative, noting that access to quality healthcare should remain a collective priority.
The passage of the bill through third reading in the House of Representatives marks a significant stage in the legislative process.
If eventually signed into law and implemented, the proposed Federal Medical Centre is expected to improve access to specialised healthcare services for residents of Ohafia, other parts of Abia North and neighbouring communities.
