The President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, has described President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the FMC Oleh Bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Oleh, Delta State, as a landmark decision that brings an end to decades of what he called federal neglect of the Isoko people.
Key Highlights
- President Tinubu signs the FMC Oleh Bill into law.
- IDU says the development ends decades of perceived federal neglect of Isoko.
- Prof. Chris Akpotu commends Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for sponsoring the bill.
- FMC Oleh expected to boost healthcare delivery and create jobs in Delta South.
- IDU urges immediate commencement of construction work.
- Akpotu says the project restores hope and a sense of belonging to the Isoko people.
Speaking during an interview on AIT’s Kaakaki programme on Thursday, Akpotu said the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre has given the Isoko nation a renewed sense of belonging in the Nigerian federation after years without significant federal presence.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the FMC Oleh Bill into law, describing the move as a major boost for the people of Delta South Senatorial District, particularly the Isoko ethnic nationality.
“This is one moment the people of Delta South Senatorial District, especially the Isoko people, will continue to celebrate because it reflects our long history of deprivation. For once, we have been made to believe that we truly belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and now have a reason to celebrate federal presence in our land,” he said.
Akpotu also praised Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District in the Senate, for sponsoring the legislation, describing him as a lawmaker who understands the developmental aspirations of his constituents.
He further commended members of the National Assembly for ensuring the successful passage of the bill before it received presidential assent.
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“When the bill was passed by the Senate, we hoped it would not end like many others that never received presidential assent. We thank God that President Tinubu renewed our hope by signing it into law,” Akpotu stated.
According to the IDU President, the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Oleh will significantly improve access to quality healthcare services across Delta South while generating employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases of the institution.
He explained that beyond strengthening healthcare delivery, the project would create jobs for construction workers, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other support staff, thereby stimulating economic activities within the region.
Akpotu lamented that despite the enormous contributions of the Isoko people to Nigeria’s economy through oil and gas production, the ethnic nationality has received little in terms of federal infrastructure and key government appointments.
“You cannot discuss Nigeria’s GDP or foreign reserves without acknowledging the contributions of the Isoko people. Yet, for decades, we have had little or no federal presence to celebrate,” he said.
He added that the Isoko people had neither produced a minister nor headed major federal agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), making the approval of the FMC Oleh Bill particularly significant.
The IDU President appealed to President Tinubu to facilitate the immediate commencement of construction work on the Federal Medical Centre to ensure the people begin to enjoy the benefits of the legislation without delay.
He assured that the Isoko Development Union would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
“We appeal to Mr. President to ensure early commencement of construction so that this historic gesture translates into tangible benefits for our people. The IDU will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the project comes to fruition,” Akpotu said.
