FMC Oleh: Era of marginalisation steadily giving way for inclusive development – Joel-Onowakpo

Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, senator representing Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has said that the establishment of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Oleh, signals a new dawn for Delta South, adding that the era of marginalisation is steadily giving way to purposeful representation and inclusive development.

“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 told his constituents.

He was reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing into law the Bill establishing the institution.

The bill, which was sponsored by the senator, provides for the establishment of the first FMC in the senatorial district, ending decades without a federal tertiary health institution in the oil-producing region.

He described the president’s assent as a landmark victory for the people of Delta South and a major step towards correcting the longstanding imbalance in access to quality healthcare.

The lawmaker expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as visionary and responsive leadership, noting that the new medical centre would bring specialised healthcare closer to millions of residents and serve as a beacon of hope for communities that have endured the consequences of decades of crude oil exploration.

Joel-Onowakpo also lauded Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President; Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President; Michael Bamidele, Senate Leader, and members of the National Assembly for their support in securing the passage of the landmark legislation.

He equally thanked Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Matthew Tonlagha for their encouragement and support towards the realisation of the project.

“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,” the senator said.

Meanwhile, as the constituents continue to commend the senator for his efforts, they also called for stronger action towards the implementation.

Stephen Idogu, a constituent, said, “Congratulations to all my Isoko people and Delta South in general for this development. I thank Senator Joel for fascinating the Bill. My advice is for Isoko people to do a follow-up because it is one thing to sign but a different ball game when it comes to implementation.”

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had earlier assented to the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko Establishment Act, another landmark legislation championed and facilitated by Senator Joel-Onowakpo.