Delta Gets Third Federal Medical Centre as Tinubu Signs FMC Oleh Establishment Bill

Delta State has expanded its federal healthcare infrastructure following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Oleh Establishment Bill, paving the way for the creation of the state’s third Federal Medical Centre.

Before the latest development, Delta State had only two Federal Medical Centres located in Asaba and Ovwian. The newly established Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, will become the first federal tertiary healthcare institution in Delta South Senatorial District, significantly improving access to specialist medical services in the region.

The legislation was sponsored by the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who described the presidential assent as a landmark achievement for the people of Delta South and a major milestone in addressing decades of inadequate access to quality healthcare.

Reacting to the development, Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, describing the decision as a demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to equitable development across the country.

According to him, the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Oleh will bring quality and specialised healthcare services closer to millions of residents in Delta South, particularly communities that have long suffered the environmental and health consequences of crude oil exploration.

“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.

The lawmaker also commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and members of both chambers for supporting the passage of the bill.

He equally appreciated High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha for their encouragement and support towards the successful establishment of the medical centre.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo congratulated the people of Delta South, saying the new Federal Medical Centre marks a new era of inclusive development and purposeful representation in the senatorial district.

He noted that the project demonstrates what can be achieved through effective legislative representation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

“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 establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, further adds to Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s legislative achievements, coming after President Tinubu’s earlier assent to the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko Establishment Act, another landmark legislation championed by the Delta South lawmaker.

With the addition of the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, Delta State now has three Federal Medical Centres located in Asaba, Ovwian and Oleh, strengthening the state’s healthcare system and expanding access to quality medical services for residents across the three senatorial districts.