By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Delta State Government has assured the Federal Ministry of Health of its full cooperation in the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
This commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health to the state government.
Speaking during the visit, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, commended the Federal Government for selecting Delta as the site for the new medical center. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision to enhance healthcare services and address the growing medical needs of residents, particularly in the Udu, Warri, and Uvwie axis.
“The truth is that every support you need for the establishment of FMC Ovwian, you will get it from the State Government. His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is very happy with the approval, and given the population growth in this region, a tertiary healthcare facility is urgently needed,” Onojaeme stated.
He highlighted the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, citing the recent approval of a Specialist Hospital in Osubi, which will include a public laboratory and a psychiatric clinic to serve Delta Central Senatorial District.
Rt. Hon. Francis Waive, member of the House of Representatives for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his support of the hospital project.
He said, “When Mr. President approved this bill, I immediately informed the Governor. He was excited and congratulated all Deltans, assuring me that the state would provide everything needed for the hospital’s establishment,” Waive revealed.
Dr. Jimoh Saludeen, Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, led the delegation on an assessment visit to identify a suitable location for the hospital. “We are here to assess the site and report back to the Minister before the project begins. The state will provide the land or an existing facility, along with relevant documents such as the Certificate of Occupancy, the State Executive Council’s pronouncement, and the State House of Assembly resolution,” Saludeen explained.
The meeting was attended by key health officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okeowo, Chairman of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Festus Okumbor, and the Chief Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Victor Osiatuma.
With the Delta State Government’s assurance of cooperation, residents of Udu and surrounding areas can look forward to improved access to quality healthcare services once the FMC Ovwian project takes off.