By : Ike Philip Abiagom
OKPANAM – The ancient town of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State came alive on Tuesday as political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, healthcare professionals, and residents thronged the community for the historic commissioning of the ultra-modern Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital.
The event, which turned the town into a carnival-like atmosphere, marked a major milestone in grassroots healthcare delivery and demonstrated the growing capacity of local government councils to execute multi-million-naira projects capable of transforming the lives of the people.
The hospital, conceived and completed by the Oshimili North Local Government Council under the leadership of Hon. Innocent Esewezie, was officially commissioned by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D.
The ceremony also featured the launch of a comprehensive Free Medical Care Programme aimed at providing immediate healthcare services to residents of Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the project as a clear reflection of his administration’s commitment to the implementation of the M.O.R.E. Agenda, particularly in the area of meaningful development and sustainable healthcare delivery.
According to the governor, access to quality and affordable healthcare should not be determined by geographical location, stressing that the establishment of modern medical facilities within local communities would reduce the burden of long-distance travel and guarantee prompt medical attention for vulnerable citizens.
This project aligns directly with the core pillars of our M.O.R.E. Agenda. Access to quality and affordable healthcare should never be a luxury determined by location. By bringing modern medical facilities directly into our communities, we are ensuring that our people receive prompt and effective healthcare services when they need them most, he stated.
Governor Oborevwori commended Hon. Esewezie and the Oshimili North Council for successfully executing the project, noting that local government administrations remain the closest tier of government to the people and play a critical role in delivering development at the grassroots. He further praised the council for complementing the hospital project with a free medical care programme, emphasizing that infrastructure can only achieve its true purpose when accompanied by accessible and compassionate services.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, described the hospital as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to improve the welfare and quality of life of residents.
He said a community could not truly prosper when its people lacked access to basic healthcare, adding that healthcare development extends beyond physical structures to include qualified personnel, modern equipment, healthcare financing, and programmes that directly benefit the people.
Esewezie announced the commencement of a six-day free medical outreach that would offer consultations, treatments, surgeries, dental services, and optical care to residents.
The council chairman also disclosed that 200 beneficiaries had been enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme. According to him, 150 beneficiaries are members of the Oshimili North Security Watch, while 50 are autistic children and persons with special needs drawn from various communities within the local government area.
He revealed that part of the hospital facility had been dedicated to the care and support of children with special needs, reflecting the council’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare delivery.
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, urged local government councils across the state to enroll more citizens into the health insurance scheme to improve access to quality healthcare services.
Also speaking, former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, commended Hon. Esewezie for the visionary initiative, describing the hospital as a strategic investment in the health and well-being of the people of Oshimili North.
Okowa noted that local government councils across the state were increasingly making meaningful contributions to development through impactful projects and urged council chairmen to sustain the momentum.
Earlier, the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Michael Ogbolu, expressed appreciation to the Oshimili North Council for the project, recalling the challenges residents previously faced in accessing quality healthcare services.
According to the monarch, pregnant women, children, and elderly residents often travelled long distances to seek medical attention, a challenge that the new hospital is expected to address significantly.
For many residents, the commissioning of the Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital represents more than the unveiling of a healthcare facility; it symbolizes a new era of hope, improved healthcare access, and people-oriented governance in Oshimili North.
The event will be remembered as one of the most significant milestones in the history of the local government, proving that visionary leadership, prudent management of resources, and commitment to service can deliver transformative projects that positively impact communities.
Among the dignitaries who attended the colourful ceremony were High Chief Austin Izagbo, Chief Patrick Ukah, Oshimili North APC Chairman Chief Austin Obidi, Hon. Austin Nnabuife, Chief Fred Ajudua, Chief Elvis Okonji, Chief Lucky Abuah, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor Hon. Joe Ijeh, as well as several political leaders, community stakeholders, and government officials.
As applause filled the air and guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, one message stood out clearly: Oshimili North has taken a giant leap forward in healthcare development, and Hon. Innocent Esewezie has etched his name in the history books as the chairman who brought a modern cottage hospital to the people of Okpanam.