ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, has clarified that there are no plans to relocate the proposed Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, assuring that the state government remains committed to supporting its establishment using the Central Hospital, Kwale.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by leaders and youths of Utagba-Ogbe Community in his Asaba office on Wednesday, Onyeme stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had already approved the use of the Central Hospital, and relevant documents had been handed over to the university authorities. “I am not aware of any move to relocate the Teaching Hospital,” he said.
The Deputy Governor also used the occasion to address concerns around the ongoing power supply challenges in Ndokwa land. He said the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) had already begun erecting poles to Utagba-Ogbe, and progress was being made to ensure electricity gets to the area.
“The issue of electricity in Ndokwa land is being addressed. I was not in office when the problem started, but I am committed to resolving it. There is a process, and the Federal Government is also involved in handling the step-down issue,” he said.
Onyeme, however, expressed disappointment over coordinated attacks on his person via social media and what he called “misguided” protests, which recently turned violent. “What is the interpretation of peaceful protest? The beating of a serving commissioner? Destruction of vehicles? Extortion from motorists?” he queried.
He urged the people to be patient, noting that he shares in their concerns. “If I go to the village, I know what I go through because there is no electricity. But let us be patient; the light will come,” he assured.
Responding to earlier remarks by community leaders, Onyeme stated, “I am not an enemy of Utagba-Ogbe, Ndokwa, or any part of Delta State. I believe with peace and unity, we will achieve a lot more for our people.”
President-General of Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom, Chief Ifeanyi Edeme; Barr. Francis Obigbor; Chief Dennis Okoh; and others who spoke during the meeting distanced themselves from the actions of some youths involved in the “Light Up Ndokwa” protest, describing them as ill-informed. They emphasized that Kwale would no longer serve as a venue for disruptive protests.
The leaders also appealed to the Deputy Governor to ensure that the Teaching Hospital remains in Kwale and to continue driving development in Utagba-Ogbe and surrounding communities.
