FG Fast-Tracks Federal Medical Centre Project in Delta Community

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to fast-track the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Udu Kingdom, Delta State, signaling renewed commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, made this known in Abuja while receiving the Paramount Ruler of Udu Kingdom, HRM Engr. Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo, and his delegation during a courtesy visit.

Salako assured the royal delegation that critical milestones, including the groundbreaking ceremony at the permanent site, would be achieved within the current administration’s timeline. He noted that the project reflects ongoing collaboration between the Federal Government and host communities to strengthen tertiary healthcare infrastructure nationwide.

According to the minister, the FMC project has been given priority, with medical supplies worth millions of naira already deployed to support operations at the temporary site.

He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that healthcare remains central to national development.

“You cannot renew people’s hope without securing their health,” Salako stated, adding that the administration has established a record number of federal tertiary health institutions within a short period.

To ensure structured development, the hospital’s management has been directed to prepare a five-year plan that will guide funding and phased implementation.

Salako also assured that visible progress would be made on the permanent site, with plans underway to hold a formal groundbreaking ceremony before the end of the President’s first term.

He commended the Udu Kingdom for donating land for the project and pledged federal support in ensuring proper documentation, ownership processes, and integration with national digital health systems.

Earlier, HRM Orugbo described the visit as a show of appreciation to the Federal Government for approving and siting the FMC in his kingdom.

“This is essentially a thank-you visit. Since the President approved the project, we have seen clear commitment toward making it a reality,” he said.

The monarch stressed that healthcare and education are vital pillars of development, while highlighting the community’s contributions, including providing a temporary site and medical supplies to kick-start operations.

He revealed that he personally donated drugs worth ₦5 million and noted that further support is being mobilised from indigenes at home and abroad.

Orugbo, however, urged the government to accelerate the next phases of the project, particularly land documentation and facility design, while assuring continued cooperation from the community.

“We are fully committed to supporting this project in every way possible,” he added.