""Show Us the 100 Health Centres" – Cross River Residents Challenge Government Billboard

A billboard erected by the Cross River State Government in Ikom has sparked debate on social media after a resident questioned the government's claim that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres have been rehabilitated across the state.

The controversy began after a Facebook user, known as Black Dollars, shared a photo of the billboard carrying Governor Bassey Otu's image and the inscription: "Over 100 Primary Healthcare Centers Rehabilitated with Modern Splendor."

Reacting to the message on the billboard, Black Dollars expressed disbelief, saying he was shocked by the claim.

He challenged anyone to point out any of the rehabilitated Primary Healthcare Centres in Ikom, Etung or Boki Local Government Areas.

"I saw this billboard in Ikom today. I am shocked to see what was written on it. Now I dare someone to show me one of these rehabilitated health care centres in Ikom, Etung or Boki," he wrote.

His post quickly attracted attention, with many residents joining the conversation and sharing their opinions about the condition of health facilities in different communities.

Responding to the criticism, media aide to the Cross River State Government, James Eku, defended the government's claim.

According to him, Cross River State has 196 political wards, and about 100 Primary Healthcare Centres have been renovated and equipped under the current administration.

He further stated that in Ikom Local Government Area, a renovated Primary Healthcare Centre is located at Victoria in Nnam Ward, while another renovated facility is located at Yala Nkum.

The exchange has once again drawn attention to the condition of healthcare services across Cross River State.

Meanwhile, the state's healthcare and education sectors have continued to attract criticism from many residents.

An earlier report by SBM Intelligence ranked Cross River among the worst places to live in Nigeria, with concerns raised over access to quality healthcare, education and other social services.

Across social media, residents regularly post pictures and videos showing dilapidated health centres, abandoned buildings, lack of medical personnel and poor equipment in several communities.

Many residents have also argued that the state of public schools and healthcare facilities suggests that health and education have not received the level of attention they deserve under the current administration.

While the government insists that significant improvements have been made in many communities, the latest debate shows that many residents are demanding greater transparency and want completed projects to be more visible and accessible to the people they are meant to serve. Us the 100 Health Centres" – Cross River Residents Challenge Government Billboard