The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, on Tuesday, performed the ground breaking ceremony for a new Mother and Child Clinic at the General Hospital, Ogwashi-Uku.
The new facility, personally initiated and funded by the revered traditional ruler, is expected to address critical healthcare needs of pregnant and expectant mothers, as well as new born children within Ogwashi-Uku and surrounding communities.
The Obi, accompanied by key members of the Obi-in-Council, was warmly received by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Doctor Lawrence Afinota of the hospital and his management team. In an emotional address, the CMD described the project as “unprecedented,” noting that it was the first time he had witnessed a traditional ruler using personal resources to deliver such a vital healthcare initiative.
“In all my years in public health service, I have not heard of a traditional ruler committing personal funds to a project of this scale. We are sincerely grateful,” the CMD said, expressing appreciation on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Health and the hospital management.
The clinic will include: general maternity wards, private delivery rooms, incubator suites for neonatal care, a fully equipped pharmacy section, and other essential healthcare facilities.
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce the burden on urban hospitals and enhance the overall standard of maternal and child healthcare delivery in Delta State.
Also present at the ground breaking were members of the Ogwashi-Uku Town Union, local leaders, and a large number of community residents who turned out in support of the project. Representing the women of the community, the Omu of Ogwashi-Uku, praised the initiative:
“This building is a blessing to the women of Ogwashi-Uku. Many of us have had to travel long distances to Asaba for adequate care. With this, our burdens will be greatly eased.”
The Obi’s initiative has been widely praised as a landmark example of traditional leadership translating into tangible development outcomes, reinforcing the monarch’s ongoing efforts to promote health, security, and well-being within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
The construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
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