The Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, has been commended for delivering the ultra-modern Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital in Okpanam, describing the project as a major intervention capable of transforming healthcare delivery across the local government.
The hospital was commissioned on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., amid excitement from residents, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders.
The project, conceived and completed under the administration of Hon. Esewezie, represents a significant investment in grassroots healthcare and demonstrates the council’s commitment to providing essential services closer to the people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Esewezie said the hospital was a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to improve the welfare and quality of life of residents of Oshimili North.
He stressed that meaningful development could not be achieved in a community where residents lacked access to basic healthcare, noting that healthcare development involved not only infrastructure but also qualified personnel, modern equipment, healthcare financing and people-oriented programmes.
“A community cannot truly prosper when its people lack access to basic healthcare,” the council chairman stated, emphasizing the need to place the welfare of residents at the centre of local government administration.
Esewezie further demonstrated his administration’s commitment to inclusive healthcare with the launch of a six-day free medical outreach to residents of Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
The programme is expected to provide consultations, treatment, surgeries, dental services and optical care, allowing residents to benefit directly from the new facility.
The chairman also disclosed that 200 beneficiaries had been enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme. He explained that 150 beneficiaries were members of the Oshimili North Security Watch, while 50 were autistic children and persons with special needs from communities across the local government.
In a further demonstration of his administration’s inclusive approach, Esewezie revealed that part of the hospital had been dedicated to caring for and supporting children with special needs.
The initiative attracted commendation from Governor Oborevwori, who described the project as consistent with the M.O.R.E. Agenda and praised the Oshimili North Council for complementing the hospital with free medical services.
The governor emphasized that access to quality and affordable healthcare should never be determined by location, stressing that modern medical facilities must be brought closer to communities to reduce delays in accessing healthcare.
Former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, also commended Esewezie for what he described as a visionary initiative, noting that the hospital was a strategic investment in the health and well-being of the people.
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Michael Ogbolu, equally expressed appreciation to the council chairman, recalling the difficulties residents previously faced in accessing healthcare, particularly pregnant women, children and the elderly.
With the completion of the hospital and the accompanying free medical programme, Esewezie’s administration has placed healthcare development at the centre of its grassroots intervention, positioning the Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital as one of the administration’s major achievements in Oshimili North.
