Governor Peter Mbah has unveiled the renovated and re-equipped Neonatal and Special Babies Ward at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, as part of activities to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The upgraded ward was supported through the Cecilia Oyebola Foundation, founded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye. The facility now has modern incubators, syringes, and infusion pumps, baby-monitoring devices, phototherapy machines, autoclave equipment, and improved nursing facilities to enhance care for newborns and reduce infant deaths in the state.
During the unveiling ceremony, Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, praised Dr. Jaye for personally contributing to healthcare development in Enugu State.
The governor said the intervention reflected the spirit of service encouraged by his administration, where public officials also support development efforts beyond their official responsibilities.
He described Dr. Jaye, who also celebrated his 51st birthday, as a dedicated public servant. His efforts continued to support the state’s healthcare reforms.
Mbah said his administration had transformed the ESUT Teaching Hospital. He transformed it from what it inherited in 2023 into a modern medical facility. The hospital is now capable of competing with leading hospitals across Nigeria.
He added that the government would continue investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, and manpower development. This will help to build a strong healthcare system in the state.
Former Governor of the old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, also praised Mbah for the changes underway in the health sector. He called for support for the governor ahead of the 2027 election.
Nwobodo, alongside his wife, Dr Patricia Nwobodo, performed the unveiling ceremony and inspected the neonatal ward.
He said he was impressed by the standard of facilities provided at the ward. He then noted that the development showed that the administration was delivering visible projects in the state.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jaye said the project was driven by his passion for children’s welfare. He also said that the memory of his late mother, who was also a teacher, was instrumental.
Dr. Jaye explained that the ward was designed to meet modern infection prevention standards needed to protect newborn babies. He added that he was inspired by the painful loss of his almost-twin brother due to infection-related complications.
According to him, the project also aligned with Governor Mbah’s healthcare vision, focused on preventive and patient-centered care.
He added that ongoing investments in hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and medical training are ongoing. He said they are helping to position Enugu as a major healthcare destination.
Earlier, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Bethrand Ngwu, thanked Governor Mbah and Dr. Jaye. He thanked them for their support of the hospital, its workers, and its patients.
He said the investments had improved healthcare delivery and boosted staff morale in the hospital. Ngwu assured that the newly installed equipment would be properly maintained and fully used. This will provide quality care for newborn babies and other vulnerable patients.
