By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
IT was a day of jubilation and thanksgiving in Iteregbi, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, as residents, traditional rulers, political leaders, and well-wishers gathered to witness the inauguration of a new ultra-modern cottage hospital — a landmark healthcare project executed by the Chairman, Hon. (Chief) Anthony Onoriode Ofoni.
Deputy Governor Onyema being assisted by Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom to inaugurate the cottage hospital on Monday
The atmosphere was electrifying as women, in asoebi, danced, youths sang, cultural groups serenaded in frenetic dance steps, and community leaders beamed with pride over what many described as a historic moment for grassroots healthcare in Uvwie. The newly-completed and fully-equipped facility, conceived and built under Chief Ofoni’s administration, is designed to provide affordable and accessible medical services to residents of Uvwie and neighbouring communities, and is already being hailed as a model for local government-driven development.
Deputy Governor Onyema delivering his speech
Representing his boss, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday John Onyeme, who Inaugurated the project, commended Chief Ofoni for what he called a bold and visionary investment in the health sector. Describing the facility as “more than a cottage hospital — a general hospital in scope and impact,” the Deputy Governor lauded the chairman’s initiative, his commitment to quality service delivery, and his alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda for a stronger and healthier Delta.
Hon. Ofoni delivering his speech
“I am particularly happy with the council chairman because he has not disappointed us,” Onyeme said in his speech. “He appears to be very serious-minded. He thought it wise not only to build markets but also to ensure that hospitals are maintained and new ones are built. This project is more than a cottage hospital — it is like a general hospital. Apart from constructing it, he went ahead to equip it, hire qualified personnel, and ensure that the place is functional. I hail you once again, Mr Chairman. You have done very well.”
Interior of the cottage hospital
The Deputy Governor further assured that the state government would consider the council’s additional requests, including the completion of adjoining road projects and final touches to parts of the hospital complex. “As soon as I get back to Asaba, I will sit down with His Excellency to discuss these demands,” he added. “The Governor is a listening leader, and I am confident that he will do something about them.”
In his welcome address, Chief Ofoni expressed deep gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his continuous support and encouragement under the MORE Agenda, noting that the hospital project was conceived from a desire to make quality healthcare available to every resident of Uvwie, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
Uvwie chiefs in attendance
According to him, the project was the product of careful planning, community consultation, and a determination to use durable materials and modern facilities. The complex also includes doctors’ and staff quarters to ensure round-the-clock service delivery and eliminate absenteeism. Fully solar-powered and equipped with modern medical technology, the facility, he said, is ready for immediate use.
“Today, I am overwhelmed with joy as I behold this edifice which was birthed in line with the Governor’s MORE Agenda for a stronger Delta,” Ofoni declared. “He has been our source of inspiration, encouraging us to make a difference through people-oriented projects. This hospital stands as proof that when leadership is compassionate and focused, the people benefit directly. Health is wealth, and that is why I made it a top priority in my administration.”
The chairman also listed several other development projects completed within his first year in office, including modern markets in Ekpan and Ugboroke, road rehabilitation works, women empowerment schemes, transformer donations to rural communities, and the OFONI CARES Back-To-School Initiative, which has benefited over 1,500 pupils.
Deputy Governor Onyema being assisted by Hon Ofoni and the Uvwie monarch in cutting the cake
Reaffirming his commitment to community development, he appealed for government intervention in improving access roads to the new market at Ugbomro/Atata and the dumpsite at Ohore.
The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso OON, Abe I, described the hospital as “a blessing to our people.” He lauded Chief Ofoni’s exemplary leadership for complementing the existing General Hospital in Ekpan and for “bringing healthcare closer to the people of Iteregbi, Jeddo, and other surrounding communities who had long suffered from overcrowded facilities.”
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“What we are witnessing today is not just an inauguration; it is a testimony of vision and leadership,” the royal father said. “Our Chairman has demonstrated that true leadership is about people and progress. Chief Ofoni has written his name in gold — he has given our people a gift that will save lives for generations to come.”
Deputy Governor Onyema and the Uvwie monarch
Beyond commending the council chairman, the monarch also used the opportunity to present key development requests to the Deputy Governor on behalf of his people. These included the construction of a standard access road leading to the new hospital to ease patient movement, the completion of the ongoing Ekpan flyover project to further decongest traffic in the area, and the establishment of more healthcare centres across the kingdom to complement the new facility.
Responding, the Deputy Governor pledged that the state government would give due attention to the royal father’s requests. “Your Majesty, I assure you that your message will be delivered personally to His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori,” Onyeme said. “He is a governor who listens and acts swiftly where the welfare of the people is concerned. I am confident that your requests will receive the attention they deserve.”
Political office holders at the event
The monarch also commended Governor Oborevwori for his visible developmental strides in Uvwie, including ongoing flyover projects, drainage works, and road expansions, assuring the government of the traditional institution’s continued support in maintaining peace — which he described as the bedrock of progress.
The well-attended ceremony also had in attendance Honourable Kelly Penawou of the Delta State House of Assembly, the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata, Delta ALGON Chairman, Hon Isaiah Esiovwa, and the Vice Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon Andrew Agagbo, among others.
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As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the newly inaugurated cottage hospital symbolised far more than infrastructure — it represented hope, renewal, and the promise of a healthier Uvwie driven by visionary local governance.
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