PRESS RELEASE
The Imo State capital, Owerri, is set to achieve a major medical milestone on Friday, August 21, 2026, as the Imo Specialist Hospital prepares to perform its first robotic-assisted surgery—an initiative driven by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration to curb medical tourism by bringing state-of-the-art facilities closer to citizens.
This landmark procedure marks Imo State’s entry into the record books for pioneer healthcare delivery, representing the state’s first robotic surgery milestone since its creation 50 years ago under Governor Uzodimma’s guidance.
The historic procedure is slated for 10:00 a.m. at the newly established Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC), situated within the premises of the Imo Specialist Hospital in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area.
Heading the surgical team is Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a renowned Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon who also serves as the Lead Urological Surgeon at Glan Clwyd Hospital in the United Kingdom.
In addition to his clinical roles, Professor Ekwueme is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and the founder of The Prostate Clinic.
His global reputation in minimally invasive procedures aligns with the high standards of clinical excellence set by the state government for operations at the IROC.
Governor Uzodimma plans to observe the historic operation in person, demonstrating his administration’s dedication to upgrading local healthcare through investments in modern medical technology.
The governor conceptualized and established the IROC as part of a broader vision to develop landmark infrastructure that establishes Imo State as a hub for medical innovation in Nigeria and across the African continent.
The rollout of robotic surgery at the facility is recognized as one of the most ambitious health sector interventions by any state government in the country.
By integrating advanced robotics with specialized cancer care, the centre aims to significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to diagnose and manage complex oncological and urological conditions.
This achievement aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s 3R Agenda—Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery—which focuses on upgrading health infrastructure, adopting modern technologies, expanding specialist services, and broadening public access to quality care.
On a broader scale, the initiative signals Nigeria’s growing capacity to provide sophisticated medical care locally, directly challenging the reliance on outbound medical tourism.
For many years, numerous Nigerians have traveled abroad for specialized operations, incurring significant financial costs and emotional stress.
The launch of these services at the IROC highlights Imo State’s role in advancing public healthcare innovations.
It demonstrates that strategic investments, visionary leadership, and international medical collaborations can successfully introduce and sustain high-tech medical solutions within sub-national health systems.
The establishment of the centre offers a local alternative that aims to keep medical spending within the domestic economy, boost local clinical skills, foster international partnerships, and support training for specialists.
Friday’s surgery marks the formal operational launch of robotic-assisted procedures at the facility, transitioning the IROC from an infrastructure project into a fully functioning specialized medical institution.
Robotic-assisted surgery is among the latest advances in healthcare, utilizing surgeon-controlled robotic tools to enhance precision, control, dexterity, and visualization during complex operations.
Depending on the specific needs of the patient, the technique can lead to smaller surgical cuts, minimal blood loss, faster recovery times, and better overall outcomes.
The upcoming operation is expected to elevate local specialist care while supporting the wider objective of making advanced healthcare accessible across Africa.
Beyond introducing new technology, the milestone reflects the Nigerian health sector’s capacity to adopt modern tools and improve treatment options for patients nationwide.
During an inspection tour of the IROC facilities on Wednesday, Governor Uzodimma noted that the attending medical team, including doctors and nurses, expressed strong enthusiasm ahead of the inaugural operation.
— Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor (August 20, 2026)