By : Ike Philip Abiagom
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission has honoured the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Hon. Chief Innocent Esewezie, with an Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding commitment to expanding healthcare access and promoting health insurance coverage among residents.
The award was presented on Tuesday by the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Hon. Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, during the commissioning of the ultra-modern Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital in Okpanam, a landmark healthcare project executed by the Oshimili North Local Government under the leadership of Chief Esewezie.
The recognition followed the successful registration of hundreds of residents into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme through the intervention of the Oshimili North administration, a move aimed at ensuring citizens have access to affordable and sustainable healthcare services.
Presenting the award, Dr. Akpoveta commended Chief Esewezie for demonstrating visionary leadership in the health sector by not only providing world-class healthcare infrastructure but also ensuring that residents are protected through health insurance coverage.
According to him, the Oshimili North model has become a shining example of how local government administrations can effectively channel available resources into projects that directly improve the welfare of the people.
He urged other local government chairmen across Delta State and Nigeria to emulate the achievements of Oshimili North, noting that greater participation in the contributory health insurance scheme would accelerate the state’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The commitment demonstrated by the Oshimili North Local Government Chairman is commendable. Healthcare goes beyond building hospitals; it also involves ensuring that people can access medical services without financial hardship. This is exactly what Chief Esewezie has achieved, Dr. Akpoveta stated.
The presentation of the Award of Excellence attracted applause from dignitaries, government officials, traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, community leaders and residents who gathered to witness the historic commissioning ceremony.
The newly inaugurated Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital has been described as one of the most modern healthcare facilities established by a local government council in Delta State. The facility is equipped with modern medical equipment designed to provide quality healthcare services to residents of Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
Speaking on the significance of the project, APC chieftain, Chief Kizito Ijeh, said the successful completion of the hospital demonstrates the practical impact of economic reforms and prudent management of public resources. He praised Chief Esewezie for translating available funds into visible and people-oriented development projects that directly benefit the people.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the launch of a six-day free medical and surgical outreach programme organised by the Oshimili North Local Government.
The initiative is providing residents with free medical consultations, treatment, medications and surgical procedures, particularly for vulnerable and low-income citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili North, Mr. Austin Nnabuife, popularly known as Ojegbue, described the dual achievement of constructing a world-class healthcare facility and expanding health insurance coverage as a major milestone in grassroots healthcare development. He noted that the projects reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the well-being of residents and ensuring that quality healthcare becomes accessible to all.
For Chief Esewezie, the Award of Excellence serves as recognition of a broader vision that combines healthcare infrastructure, medical outreach and health insurance protection to guarantee improved access to quality healthcare services for the people of Oshimili North.
The event marked yet another milestone in the council’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, promote preventive healthcare and improve the quality of life of residents across the local government area.