Healthcare delivery in Delta South Senatorial District has taken a leap as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the Oleh Federal Medical Center Establishment Bill.
The FMC Oleh Bill, sponsored by Senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, provides for the establishment of the first federal medical center in the senatorial district, ending decades without a federal tertiary health institution in the oil-producing region.
With the support of the FMC Oleh bill, all three senatorial zones now have federal medical centers.
READ ALSO: Air Ticket: Court Affirms FCCPC Powers to Investigate Price Complaints
Reacting to this development, Senator Joel-Onowakpo described the President’s consent as a historic victory for the people of Delta South and an important step towards correcting the long-standing imbalance in access to quality healthcare.
The lawmaker expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as visionary and responsive leadership, noting that the new medical center would bring specialized medical care closer to millions of residents and serve as a beacon of hope for communities that have borne the consequences of decades of crude oil exploration.
“For too long, communities that have borne the brunt of crude oil exploration have endured inadequate access to quality health care. This Federal Medical Center will provide world-class health services to our people and contribute significantly to their well-being and prosperity,” he said.
Joel-Onowakpo also praised the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the vice president of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; and to the members of the National Assembly for their support in ensuring the passage of this historic legislation.
He also thanked Senior Chief Minister Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha for their encouragement and support in the completion of the project.
Congratulating his constituents, the senator said the establishment of FMC Oleh marked a new dawn for Delta South, stressing that the era of marginalization was steadily giving way to purposeful representation and inclusive development.
“This achievement demonstrates what can be achieved 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,” said Joel-Onowakpo.
The presidential approval of the Federal Medical Center Oleh Establishment Bill further strengthens Joel-Onowakpo’s growing record of legislative achievements, coming on the heels of President Tinubu’s earlier approval of the Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko Establishment Bill, another landmark legislation championed and facilitated by the Delta South Senator..
WATCH THE BEST VIDEOS FROM Newslodge TV