Umuahia, July 31, 2026 — Abia State is gearing up to host more than 1,000 paediatricians and other healthcare professionals from across Nigeria and beyond during the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PANConf), scheduled for April 2027.

Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has assured the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) of the Abia State Government's commitment to providing both financial and logistical support to ensure the successful hosting of the landmark conference.

Emetu gave the assurance on Friday when he received a high-powered delegation of the PANConf 2027 Local Organising Committee, led by its Chairman, Dr. Oluchi Mildred Izuka, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House, Umuahia.

The Deputy Governor said the increasing number of national professional organisations selecting Abia as the venue for major conferences reflects the remarkable transformation taking place under the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

He pointed to recent conferences hosted in the state by organisations such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals as evidence that Abia is steadily becoming a preferred destination for national events.

"The beauty of this is all about the development going on in Abia State. And I must say, it's a positive problem that the state government has inherited," Emetu said.

He described the growing influx of conferences into the state as a welcome challenge made possible by improvements in infrastructure, security, and overall development.

Emetu Promises Budgetary Support

Responding to the committee's request for financial assistance, the Deputy Governor noted that the timing of the proposal was ideal, as it would allow the government to make adequate provisions in the 2027 budget.

He disclosed that he would immediately forward the proposal to Governor Otti and the Commissioner for Health to ensure the conference is considered during the state's budget planning process.

"Definitely, I will put my green pen on it so that the government will be able to come maybe halfway to support PAN. I will minute this to His Excellency and also to the Honourable Commissioner for Health so it will be captured in the budget," he said.

Emetu also encouraged the association to collaborate closely with the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency and health authorities across the state's 17 local government areas to ensure the conference leaves a lasting impact beyond the event itself.

He stressed the need for stronger partnerships aimed at improving paediatric healthcare services at the grassroots through the state's network of primary healthcare centres.

"We also want PAN to try as much as possible to have a proper handshake with the state council for primary healthcare and also in all our 17 local governments where we have all our primary healthcare centres littered across the state," he added.

Historic Milestone for Abia

Earlier, Chairman of the PANConf 2027 Local Organising Committee, Dr. Oluchi Mildred Izuka, described Abia's successful bid to host the conference as a historic achievement for both the state and the association's local chapter.

She noted that in the 57-year history of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, Abia had never hosted its annual conference until securing the right to stage the 58th edition.

According to her, the successful bid was driven by the growing national recognition of the progress recorded under the Otti administration, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and security.

"For 57 years, we have not been able to achieve this milestone. For the first time, we have won the bid to host PANConf in Abia State," she said.

Dr. Izuka added that the achievement reflects the increasing confidence Nigerians have in the positive changes taking place across the state.

The five-day conference is scheduled to hold from April 19 to 23, 2027, and is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates.

Free Paediatric Healthcare Training for Abia Workers

Beyond its scientific sessions, PANConf 2027 is expected to leave a lasting impact on Abia's healthcare system through extensive capacity-building programmes.

The first two days of the conference will feature pre-conference workshops, including Helping Babies Breathe and Neonatal Resuscitation Training, which will be offered free of charge to more than 200 Community Health Extension Workers.

Healthcare professionals in secondary and tertiary health institutions will also receive training in Basic Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support.

Organisers said the training programmes are designed to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to respond effectively to emergencies involving newborns, infants, and children.

Opportunity to Showcase Abia

Dr. Izuka further explained that PANConf 2027 would serve as an important platform to project Abia State to visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

She said delegates would not only witness the state's progress in healthcare but also experience its peaceful environment, rich cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and globally recognised Made-in-Aba products.

The Local Organising Committee subsequently presented a detailed budget to the Deputy Governor and appealed for financial and logistical support to ensure the successful hosting of the conference.

'They Want to Experience Abia'

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Alex Nwosu, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor for the warm reception and the state government's willingness to support the event.

He praised Governor Otti's leadership, saying the transformation taking place across Abia has restored confidence and pride among residents.

Dr. Nwosu recalled the excitement that followed Abia's successful bid at the association's meeting in Abeokuta in January, noting that the achievement has sparked widespread interest among Nigerians eager to visit the state.

"The stories are out there. They want to experience Abia. And this was made possible by the distinguished leadership of this state under Dr. Alex Otti, whom you work in tandem with," he said.

The PANConf delegation included members of the Local Organising Committee, while aides to the Deputy Governor and Directors of Administration and Protocol were also in attendance.

With the Abia State Government pledging its support and PAN offering free specialised training for healthcare workers, PANConf 2027 is expected to deliver not only valuable professional development but also provide a national platform to showcase the state's continuing transformation.