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OWERRI, IMO STATE — The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma over the successful performance of the first robotic-assisted surgery at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, describing the development as a historic milestone in healthcare delivery in Imo State, Nigeria and West Africa.
The landmark procedure, performed at the Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, was led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, ALGON Deputy National President and Executive Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area, Hon. Toni Adikibe, said the breakthrough represented more than a medical achievement, describing it as the beginning of a new era in which advanced healthcare services could be accessed within Imo State rather than forcing Nigerians to seek specialised treatment abroad.
Hon Adikibe, who spoke on behalf of the 27 local government areas of Imo State, commended Governor Uzodimma for what he described as his technological vision and commitment to healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, the establishment of the Robotics and Oncology Centre within a public hospital, coupled with its linkage to the Imo State Health Insurance Programme at N15,000 per person annually, would significantly expand access to specialised healthcare.
“Your technological foresight has turned vision into steel and code. Your commitment to infrastructural development has delivered a facility that ranks among the most ambitious healthcare initiatives undertaken by any sub-national government in Nigeria,” Adikibe stated.
He said the development was particularly significant for residents of rural communities, who often bear the greatest burden when specialised medical services are inaccessible or unaffordable.
Adikibe noted that residents across communities in Oru West, Oguta, Ideato, Isiala Mbano and other parts of the state would now have increased access to specialised treatment for complex urological conditions, cancer diagnosis and other medical conditions requiring advanced intervention.
He described the development as “governance with a human face,” arguing that the availability of advanced medical technology within the state would help retain healthcare expenditure in Nigeria while reducing the pressure for medical tourism.
ALGON also expressed confidence that the security architecture of the state would help protect the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, which it described as a critical healthcare asset.
The association further commended the involvement of medical experts and international collaborations under the leadership of Professor Ekwueme, saying sustained training and knowledge transfer would be essential to building the local expertise required to operate and maintain advanced medical technology.
According to Adikibe, the long-term impact of the initiative could extend beyond Imo State by positioning the state as a destination for specialised healthcare services across West Africa.
The 27 local government councils, he said, were prepared to support the initiative through grassroots mobilisation, public awareness and community engagement.
“We will lead aggressive awareness and sensitization in every ward to ensure our people know that this technology exists and how to access it through the health insurance scheme,” he said.
He added that the councils would work with traditional rulers, town unions and community health workers to encourage rural residents to undergo screening and seek early diagnosis, thereby ensuring that the specialised centre served those who needed its services most.
The local governments also pledged to collaborate with relevant state security structures in protecting the facility and its personnel, while supporting the Ministry of Health and the centre in creating opportunities for local healthcare workers to receive advanced training and participate in technology transfer programmes.
Adikibe also challenged medical professionals across Imo State to take advantage of the new infrastructure and contribute to raising the standard of healthcare delivery in the state.
“His Excellency has provided the platform and the political will. We urge you to take full advantage of this gesture, raise the bar of clinical excellence, and work deliberately to drive down mortality rates in our state. The machines are here. The expertise is here. What is required now is your commitment,” he said.
The ALGON Deputy National President described the development as evidence that bold leadership and investment in technology could transform previously difficult medical procedures into accessible services.
“Governor Uzodimma has proven that when leadership is bold, the impossible becomes operational. Today the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre has moved from infrastructure to impact,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the 27 local government councils to supporting the state government in ensuring that the benefits of the new healthcare facility reach residents across the state.
“Congratulations to His Excellency. Congratulations to Imo State. The future of healthcare has arrived, and it is Imo,” Adikibe declared.
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