By Chuks Eke—
A medical practitioner and traditional ruler of the Ifitedunu community in the Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, has decried what he described as a lackadaisical attitude among healthcare providers towards implementing healthcare programmes in the country.
He expressed frustration that relevant government ministries, parastatals, and non-governmental healthcare providers lack the drive to execute the quality healthcare policies routinely launched to ensure average Nigerians access adequate medical facilities.
Speaking at his palace in Ifitedunu over the weekend during his 2026 annual New Yam cultural festival, Igwe Ilouno noted that as a medical expert, he is aware that substantial funds are allocated to the health sector across various government levels. While budget allocations appear impressive on paper, he stated that almost none are fully implemented as planned.
He attributed this implementation failure as the primary reason public healthcare infrastructure remains in ruins—forcing political leaders to travel abroad for medical treatment while ordinary citizens are left without access to quality care.
The monarch stated: “Governments at all levels produce excellent programmes for healthcare and other sectors, but the problem lies in implementation. Most programmes are not executed in line with annual budgetary allocations, which is why the country continues to face severe challenges.”
The traditional ruler urged governments and healthcare administrators to demonstrate honesty and commitment in fulfilling their duties to the public.
He attributed the restoration of peace and harmony in the Ifitedunu community to divine grace and the cooperation of his people, adding: “My subjects have come to understand that progress can only exist where there is peace and unity.”
Regarding the New Yam festival, Igwe Ilouno explained that the tradition serves to express gratitude to God Almighty and ancestral figures for bountiful harvests and sustained food security year after year.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to the community for their continued trust and support, which saw him elected under the Labour Party platform during the 2023 National Assembly elections.
He urged constituents to replicate that support in 2027, when he will seek re-election on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He further encouraged voters to back all NDC candidates in the upcoming elections, maintaining that the party possesses the necessary talent to lead the nation effectively across presidential, governorship, and legislative seats in 2027.
