President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Oleh Establishment Bill into law, paving the way for the establishment of the first federal tertiary healthcare institution in Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State.

The legislation, sponsored by the Senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, is expected to improve access to specialised healthcare services in the oil-producing region, which has long lacked a federal medical centre.

Reacting to the presidential assent, Joel-Onowakpo described the development as a landmark achievement for the people of Delta South and a significant step towards addressing what he called a longstanding imbalance in access to quality healthcare.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, describing the move as a demonstration of visionary and responsive leadership.

According to the lawmaker, the establishment of the medical centre will bring specialised healthcare services closer to millions of residents, reduce the burden of travelling long distances for advanced medical treatment and improve health outcomes across the district.

“For far too long, communities that have borne the brunt of crude oil exploration have endured inadequate access to quality healthcare. This Federal Medical Centre will deliver world-class medical services to our people and contribute meaningfully to their well-being and prosperity,” he said.

Joel-Onowakpo also commended the leadership of the National Assembly for supporting the passage of the bill. He specifically thanked the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; and other lawmakers for their contributions to the legislative process.

He further acknowledged the support of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and businessman Matthew Tonlagha for their encouragement and contributions towards the realisation of the project.

Congratulating residents of Delta South, the senator said the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Oleh marked a new chapter in the district’s development, adding that it reflected the impact of effective representation and collaborative governance.
“This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through purposeful representation, unity of purpose and responsive governance. We remain committed to attracting more transformative projects that will redefine the future of Delta South,” he said.

The presidential assent to the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh Establishment Act adds to Joel-Onowakpo’s legislative record.

It follows President Tinubu’s earlier assent to the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko Establishment Act, another bill sponsored by the Delta South lawmaker. Together, the two laws are expected to strengthen healthcare and educational infrastructure while advancing socio-economic development in Delta South.