The Member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ejiroghene Waive, has reaffirmed that efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Delta State—recently approved by President Bola Tinubu—are progressing swiftly.
Hon. Waive made this known on Friday during a visit to the His Royal Majesty, Barrister Bethel Delekpe, Ohworhu 1, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, at his palace in Aladja, Udu local government area, Delta State, where he provided updates on the project’s status.
He 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.
Accompanied by a distinguished entourage—including Udu Local Government Chairman, Chief Vincent Oyibode—Hon. Waive emphasized the significance of the recently passed bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre. He highlighted the facility’s potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring quality medical services for the people of Delta State.
While addressing the Udu Monarch, Hon. Waive expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler and the people of his constituency for their unwavering support and trust in his leadership. He reiterated his commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy to the region, urging continued cooperation to ensure the project’s successful execution.
Speaking to newsmen outside the palace, Hon. Waive said; “By the grace of God, this January, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, signed into law my bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area. 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 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 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, Chief Vincent Oyibode and Mr Joseph Okuku, President-General of the Ovwian Community, praised Hon. Waive’s foresight in securing a Federal Medical Centre 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 Centre 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 Centre —something we have long yearned for. Udu has always been a blessed local government, but over the years, many things have gone wrong. The DSC is a federal government establishment, yet we have faced setbacks. Today, however, 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 emphasize 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.
