President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Oleh Establishment Bill, clearing the way for the establishment of the first federal tertiary healthcare institution in Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State.
The landmark legislation, sponsored by the Senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, is expected to bridge a longstanding gap in access to specialised healthcare services for residents of the oil-rich district.
With the presidential assent, the Federal Medical Centre in Oleh is expected to provide advanced medical services, reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialist treatment and strengthen healthcare delivery across Delta South and neighbouring communities.
Reacting to the development, Senator Joel-Onowakpo described the signing of the bill into law as a historic milestone for the district, saying it marked the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people.
He commended President Tinubu for approving the legislation, describing the move as a demonstration of responsive leadership and commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare across the country.
According to the lawmaker, the establishment of the medical centre would significantly improve healthcare outcomes for communities that have endured decades of inadequate access to federal health facilities despite their contributions to the nation’s economy through oil production.
“For far too long, communities that have borne the brunt of crude oil exploration have endured inadequate access to quality healthcare. This Federal Medical Centre will deliver world-class medical services to our people and contribute meaningfully to their well-being and prosperity,” he said.
Joel-Onowakpo also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly for supporting the passage of the bill.
He specifically thanked the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; and other members of the National Assembly for their support throughout the legislative process.
The senator also acknowledged the contributions of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and businessman Matthew Tonlagha for their encouragement and support towards the actualisation of the project.
Congratulating the people of Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo described the presidential assent as a major boost to the district’s socio-economic development, noting that it underscored the value of purposeful representation and collaborative governance.
“This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through purposeful representation, unity of purpose and responsive governance. We remain committed to attracting more transformative projects that will redefine the future of Delta South,” he stated.
The signing of the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh Establishment Act adds to Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s growing legislative achievements.
It comes after President Tinubu’s earlier assent to the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko Establishment Act, another bill sponsored by the Delta South lawmaker, with both legislations expected to strengthen healthcare and educational infrastructure while accelerating development across the senatorial district.
Credit: Guardian Newspaper
