Following the passage and subsequent assent by President Bola Tinubu for the act establishing Federal Medical Centre in Udu, Delta State, the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has assured the people of Udu of Kingdom on the readiness of the Federal Government to build the project.
Waive, who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), disclosed that efforts to establish the facility is progressing swiftly and tasked the people of the constituency to support the federal government initiative.
The federal lawmaker spoke when he visited the revered Ovie of Udu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Bethel Delekpe, Ohworhu 1, at his palace in Aladja, Udu, Delta State on Friday.
Waive’s visit to the palace was to update the Udu traditional ruler and his people on the status of the project following the presidential assent on the bill.
The federal lawmaker, who was accompanied by the chairman of Udu local government council, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode and other top dignitaries on the visit, described the establishment of the medical centre as a legacy initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for his constituents and Delta State residents at large.
He highlighted that the facility has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, ensuring quality medical services for the people of Delta State.
Waive expressed gratitude to the Udu monarch and the people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu federal constituency for their unwavering support and trust in his leadership.
He reiterated his commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy to the region, urging for continued cooperation to ensure the project’s successful execution.
“By the grace of God, this January, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, signed into law my bill establishing the Federal Medical Center at Ovwian in Udu Kingdom, Delta State. This is a great achievement that will stand the test of time and benefit future generations.
“I felt it was important that His Royal Majesty hear this directly from me rather than through the press. That is why we are here at the palace today to personally convey the news. His Royal Majesty has received me joyfully, offered prayers for me, and expressed his happiness over this remarkable development.
“This is a significant milestone for humanity. In most states across the country, there is only one tertiary healthcare institution, except for Lagos and Edo, which have more than one. With this development, Delta has now joined that league.
“We already have one federal medical institution in Asaba, and now, Ovwian in Udu will host another. This facility will serve not only Delta Central but also Delta South, providing top-tier healthcare services.
“We are immensely grateful to Mr. President for this initiative. As the project moves into the execution phase, we will ensure that the infrastructure and service delivery meet world-class standards”, he stated.
He added; “I am thrilled to have contributed to something so impactful for my people—the very people who entrusted me with this mandate. This achievement is a privilege, and I am deeply grateful to God for allowing me to leave a lasting legacy that will enhance the well-being of our people. Now, as a community, we must come together, remain steadfast, and prepare for the arrival of federal officials who will oversee the next steps. This is truly a moment of joy and a great day for Delta State.
Earlier in his response, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Bethel Delekpe, Ohworhu 1, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, commended Hon. Waive for his dedication and commitment to public service, acknowledging him as a visionary lawmaker who has delivered tangible results for his people.
Also speaking, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode and Mr Joseph Okuku, President-General of the Ovwian Community, praised Hon. Waive’s foresight in securing a Federal Medical Center that would benefit not just his immediate constituency but Delta State as a whole.
They pledged their full support to ensure seamless execution and completion of the project.
Chief Oyibode further noted that having a Federal Medical Center in Udu would open new doors for economic growth and create more opportunities for residents.
According to him, “I want to thank God for this noble opportunity as Udu is now the host of a Federal Medical Center. This is something we have long yearned for. Udu has always been a blessed local government and Kingdom, but over the years, many things have gone wrong. The DSC is a federal government establishment also in Udu land. It has been facing some setbacks.
“However, today, our brother, who represents us in the Federal House of Representatives, has delivered on the mandate given to him. He has carried out his duties with humility, and we are truly grateful for this institution he has brought to us.
“As the Chief Security Officer of this local government, I want to emphasise that we have zero tolerance for trouble. Udu has remained a peaceful place, and no one will disrupt that peace. The moment the bill was signed, I was the first person he called, and I immediately instructed the community president to secure land without delay. We have already identified a location where operations can begin while construction is ongoing.
“We will not wait for the contractors before taking action. As a show of our commitment, we will clear the land and put up a signboard to mark the site. Security will be our responsibility, and I assure everyone that there will be no threats or disruptions. Udu remains peaceful, and we will ensure that this project is executed without any obstacles,” Chief Oyibode added.
