Ahead of January 15 when he would have spent a total of six years in office, Governor Hope Uzodimma early Tuesday, January 13, 2026, took another major step aimed at revolutionalising healthcare delivery in Nigeria at large and Imo State in particular, signing a pact with IDCL Surgicals Limited to establish the first Robotic Surgical Centre in the country.

Through the State's central health management organ – Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited - the Imo State Government under Governor Uzodimma had reached the landmark agreement with IDCL Surgicals Limited to pioneer a Robotic Surgical Centre and manage specialist hospitals across the State.

Led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a foremost pioneering Consultant in Urological and Robotic Surgery, IDCL Surgicals Limited brings expertise to this groundbreaking initiative.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed at Government House Owerri in the wee hours of Tuesday, signifies a major stride towards advancing specialised, technology-driven healthcare services in Imo State and beyond.

The proposed Robotic Surgical Centre aims to provide cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures utilising advanced DaVinci robotic systems; as the state-of-the-art technology promises enhanced surgical precision, reduced recovery times, and significantly improved patient outcomes.

During the signing ceremony, Governor Uzodimma emphasised his administration’s commitment to attracting strategic investments and fostering public-private partnerships aimed at modernising healthcare delivery. He envisions positioning Imo State as a regional hub for advanced medical services and medical tourism.

In addition to treating patients, he said the Robotic Surgical Centre will serve as a research and training facility for medical professionals throughout Imo State and Nigeria.

"Under the partnership, Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited will oversee hospital administration and clinical service management, while IDCL Surgicals Limited handles technical aspects such as infrastructure, equipment procurement, and operational support."

Uzodimma reiterated that this initiative "aligns with his broader vision of strengthening the State's healthcare system, reducing outbound medical tourism, creating skilled employment opportunities, and ensuring that Imo people have access to world-class surgical care locally."

Earlier in his remarks, the head of the delegation and pioneer Nigeria Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, described the project as a "landmark initiative and the first of its kind in Nigeria."

He praised the Governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to quality healthcare, notably highlighting the enrollment of over 1.5 million Imo indigenes in the free Imo State Health Insurance Scheme.

With a promise of readiness and commitment to the timely completion of the project, Professor Ekwueme expressed confidence that the Robotic Surgical Centre will significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of citizens while positively impacting the socio-economic development of Imo State.

The Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Managing Director of Heartland Hospital Management Corporation Limited, Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri, the Technical Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Bola Adigun were among those who joined the Governor and Prof. Ekwueme at the signing ceremony.

•PHOTO: Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme of IDCL Surgicals Limited after signing of the pact to establish Robotic Surgical Centre in Owerri, Imo State at the Government House Owerri ... Tuesday.