By Sunday Apah
The federal government officially inaugurated an 80-bed, fully equipped Mother and Child Specialist Hospital yesterday, aiming to meet the healthcare needs of the Ugbuwangue community in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The commissioning event coincided with the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, and was held in the Ugbuwangue community within Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The ceremony attracted many distinguished Itsekiri sons and daughters, both locally and from abroad.
During the event, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasized that the establishment of the Renewed Hope Mother and Child Hospital is a clear demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the country.
He highlighted that the hospital is a state-of-the-art facility featuring modern medical equipment and residential quarters for healthcare staff.
Governor Oborevwori stressed that a functioning healthcare system is essential for sustainable development, asserting that the inauguration of this hospital is a significant step toward fulfilling President Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope for citizens’ quality of life.
“This 80-bed medical facility, equipped with advanced technology and residential accommodations for medical professionals, represents a powerful commitment by the federal government to ensure quality healthcare reaches everyone, especially underserved communities,” he stated.
He continued, “By investing in healthcare, we are investing in the future of Delta, promoting a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous state.”
Represented by Prince Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff at the Government House in Asaba, the governor noted that the hospital would address the critical health needs of Ugbuwangue and neighboring communities.
He urged residents to take care of the facility to ensure its longevity and expressed gratitude to the federal government, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and all contributors to the project.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the Federal Government on SDGs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to vulnerable populations, marking this inauguration as a step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of health and well-being.
She expressed her appreciation for the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
Additionally, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, represented by Chief Brown Mene, expressed that the hospital is vital for the health of mothers and children.
The monarch urged the community to safeguard the project, highlighting that its sustainable maintenance is crucial for improving overall community health.
He also acknowledged all contributors, including the late 20th Olu of Warri, Ikenwoli, the federal government, and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Orelope.
In his address, Comrade Isaac Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Chairman of the Warri South Local Government Area, remarked that the hospital will significantly lower the high mortality rates prevalent in the community, particularly in children’s healthcare.
He extended his gratitude to the federal government, the SSA to the President on SDGs, Governor Oborevwori, and the Olu of Warri for making the project a reality.
Dr. Mary Alile Idele, Board Chairman of FMC Asaba, described the project as a landmark achievement in enhancing healthcare in Warri and thanked all parties involved in bringing it to fruition.
The newly commissioned 80-bed facility includes operating theatres, private and general wards, consultation rooms, laboratories, recovery rooms, emergency services equipped with advanced technology, an ultrasound machine, and a vacuum extractor.
The inauguration ceremony also included celebratory activities marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, featuring an Itsekiri Language Competition for children and novelty matches between male and female teams, showcasing prominent former Super Eagles players like Kanu Nwankwo, Victor Ikpeba, and Austin Eguavoen, among others, at the Olu’s palace main field.
