History was made on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Imo Specialist Hospital in Umuguma, Owerri, as the facility carried out its first robotic-assisted surgery. The milestone marks the first of its kind in Imo State since its creation 50 years ago, and is part of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s drive to end medical tourism by bringing advanced healthcare to the state.
The procedure took place at 10:00am at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, IROC, inside the hospital. It was led by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a globally respected Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon and Lead Urological Surgeon at Glan Clwyd Hospital, United Kingdom. Prof. Ekwueme, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and founder of The Prostate Clinic, is recognised internationally for expertise in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Governor Uzodimma was present to witness the groundbreaking operation, underscoring his administration’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge medical infrastructure.
The IROC is the brainchild of the Governor and was conceived to position Imo as a leading destination for advanced healthcare innovation in Nigeria and across Africa. Officials say the robotic surgical system will offer greater precision and control, support minimally invasive procedures, reduce blood loss and potentially shorten recovery time. The initiative is also paired with oncology services, MRI, CT scan, mammography, X-ray, and an internal oxygen production system to create an integrated specialist environment.
The government says the development will reduce the financial, logistical and emotional burden on residents who previously had to travel to Lagos or abroad for complex specialist treatment. With the launch of IROC under a public-private partnership, Imo aims to curb medical tourism, strengthen local training and research, and make quality healthcare more accessible through the Imo State Health Insurance Programme.
