A team from the Federal Ministry of Health has inspected the proposed permanent site for the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Ovwian, as well as the temporary take-off site at General Hospital, Otor-Udu, assuring Deltans of a swift commencement of operations.
During the inspection at the site, located opposite the DSC administrative building in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, the team leader from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, mni, Director of Hospital Services, congratulated the Udu community leaders and Hon. Francis Waive for their efforts in facilitating the establishment of FMC Ovwian through legislative backing.
He stated, “Today, we are here on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who has given a marching order to ensure the establishment of the Federal Medical Center, Ovwian. I was directed by my principal to lead this ministerial team to inspect the proposed site.”
“Our mission in Delta State is to meet with the Governor and assess the proposed federal medical center site. The state government is expected to provide a temporary facility to enable immediate operations while the permanent site is developed. Similar FMCs in Kafanchan, Epe, and other locations have already commenced, and we want the same for Ovwian. We expect activities to begin at FMC Ovwian within three to six months.”
“We are also inspecting the temporary structure provided by the state government to ensure it meets the required standard. Once a Medical Director is appointed and personnel support from the state government is secured, operations will begin. Subsequently, there will be an advertisement for employment opportunities.”
Dr. Salaudeen commended the community for providing land for the project and urged them to safeguard the hospital’s infrastructure. He also assured that local contractors would be engaged in accordance with the Local Content Act.
The President-General of Ovwian Community, Comrade Joseph Dele Okuku, speaking on behalf of the Udu Kingdom, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill establishing FMC Ovwian into law. He also acknowledged Hon. Francis Waive’s vision and efforts in originating the bill.
He further called for patronage of local contractors, employment of skilled and unskilled labor from the host community, and other benefits that would ensure community participation in the project.
Hon. Francis Waive, the Member representing Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the establishment of FMC Ovwian as a major milestone in healthcare delivery for Delta Central and Delta South.
“I must thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for signing into law the Federal Medical Center Establishment Bill. This is a significant milestone that will improve healthcare delivery in our region,” he said.
“Work will commence soon, with the Udu General Hospital serving as a temporary take-off site. The state government has already granted us the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the construction of essential facilities. We also anticipate strong support from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the federal government. With these collaborations in place, we are confident of rapid progress.”
“I intend to leverage my office to attract investments from companies in the region to support this project. This will be the first federal healthcare institution in this part of the state, strategically positioned between Delta South and Delta Central. Previously, residents had to travel up to three hours to Asaba to access federal medical services. With this new FMC, healthcare will be brought closer to the people.”
Hon. Waive emphasized that the hospital would not only save lives but also stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and encourage educational advancements, especially in medical fields.
“The population in Ovwian, covering Udu Bridge, Uvwie, Warri South, and beyond, is significant. The riverine areas also link Warri South-West and Burutu, making this one of the most densely populated regions in Delta State. Due to the lack of a medical facility of this caliber, many lives have been lost. But now, FMC Ovwian will provide top-tier healthcare services locally.”
He urged the Udu people to ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for the construction and eventual operation of the facility.
On his developmental strides, Hon. Waive highlighted various projects he had initiated, including:
“A complete renovation of the larger grammar school near the FMC site, with a new perimeter fence and staff quarters. Upgrades to the primary school in the area. Classroom projects across all three local government areas in his constituency. Installation of electricity transformers, classroom blocks, reconnection to the national grid, and solar-powered streetlights in all 32 wards of his constituency.
“Since Nigeria’s return to democracy, my contributions to infrastructure surpass those of all my predecessors combined. Beyond physical projects, I have sponsored over 50 bills, including the Federal Medical Center Bill, now signed into law. For a legislator to achieve this is no small feat. This is a legacy that will stand the test of time.”
Udu Local Government Council Chairman, Chief Vincent Oyibode, also expressed joy at attracting a federal medical facility to Udu Kingdom.
“This hospital will serve both Delta Central and Delta South, bringing rapid development to the area. It will also inspire Udu indigenes and others to pursue careers in medicine and healthcare.”
He praised Hon. Francis Waive for originating the bill and thanked the Governor of Delta State for his support in making FMC Ovwian a reality.
Earlier, the federal medical team was received by Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, alongside key state health officials, including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Philo Okewho, and State Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Paul Okubo.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare team for the inspection included: Dr . Jimoh O. Salaudeen, mni – Director of Hospital Services (Team Leader) Dr. Abisola Adegoke, mni – Head, FMC Division
Mr. Paul Daluba – Deputy Director, HRM, Dr. Olakunle Daramola – Technical Assistant to the Minister
Mr. Murtala Muazu – Representative of the Office of the Permanent Secretary
Dr. Raymond Ekhator – Coordinating Unit, DHS Office
Ms. Tina Ugiagbe – FMC Division
Dr. Adedeji Adesope – Team Secretary Dr. Victor Osiatuma Azubike – Chief Medical Director, FMC Asaba. With all stakeholders aligned and necessary approvals in place, the people of Udu Kingdom and beyond eagerly await the launch of FMC Ovwian, which promises to be a game-changer for healthcare in the region.
