Otor-Owhe community handover cottage hospital to Delta Govt ~ Truth Reporters

Otor-Owhe community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday 23rd, August 2022, handed over tue community's cottage hospital to the Delta State Contributory Health Commission Asaba for use.

The Cottage hospital project was started over 20 years ago by NDDC, with Chief B.A. Esajobor as the contractor then, and was later taken over by DESOPADEC but was unable to finish it. During the terms of Engr. Francis Egho and Comr. Frank Alordia as President Generals, the community took over the project with the GMoU funds accruing to Otor-Owhe community and gave it a facelift.





Following the intervention of the Otor-Owhe community's successive leadership in giving the cottage hospital a facelift and the effort of some of the prominent sons and daughters of the community, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission Asaba, ultimately decided to use the cottage hospital for the execution of the Contributory Health Scheme in Isoko.

A large number of reputable individuals attended the official handover and flag-off ceremony, which was held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

These individuals included the Chairman of the Isoko North Local Government Area, Deacon Christian Iteire, the Chairman of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, the Director General and CEO of the Commission Dr. Ben Nkechika, Board Members of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, the Medical Director/CEO of Capitol Hill Hospitals Warri Dr. Lucky & his entire team.

Others were HRM Romanus Inana 1, the Okpuzo of Owhe Kingdom, Former SSG & Head of Service Delta State, Sir. Barr. Simeon Efenudu; OCDU NEC, CWC, opinion Leaders, the Edios & Iletus of Otor-Owhe Community.

In his welcome speech, the president general of Otor-Owhe Community, Engr. Wilfred Atunu, who was ably represented by the first vice president, Chief Isaac Ezimuobor, noted that although the cottage hospital has a long history, we are not here to dwell on it today. Instead, we give thanks to God as we cut the ribbon to officially declare our cottage hospital open for use, for the benefit of our people as well as neighbours from nearby communities.

Otor-Owhe community will be willing and ready to help in any area they may be needed Atunu promised the Delta State Contributory Health Commission and Capitol Hills Hospital, ensuring them that all activities will go as planned.

He also extended his sincere gratitude to Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the executive governor of Delta State, for launching the Health Insurance Scheme for the State's rural poor people and the aged.

Atunu used the opportunity, to express his gratitude to Comrade Lawson Efenudu, the previous administration, and the Otor-Owhe Community People forum (OCP) for their crucial efforts in reaching this goal.

HRM Romanus Inana 1, the Okpuzo of Owhe Kingdom during a courtesy call by our visitors to his palace applauded the Delta State Government for this great initiative of giving almost free health care to the indigenes of the state especially for choosing the Otor-Owhe Community cottage hospital as a beneficiary of the project. He assured the management of the clan’s utmost contribution.

The Chairman Isoko North LGA Delta State, Deacon Christian Iteire who handed over the hospital on behalf of the people of Otor-Owhe Community to the Commission noted that the good health of every individual is paramount and all hands must be on deck to ensure that sustainable health of all citizens is attained.

The Chairman, Delta State Contributory Health Commission Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta who was ably represented by the Director General/CEO of the Commission Dr. Ben Nkechika; stated that the Health Scheme has come for the benefit of all. That is the Health Facility will commence operation on the 1st of October 2022 and the Commission decided to use Capitol Hills Hospital to drive the project because of the remarkable records of the Hospital in the State. He advised Capitol Hill to be more effective in discharging their duties in the community.

Dr. Ben Nkechika also stated that the Cottage Hospital remains the property of the community and the majority of the staff who will work in the hospital will be drawn from the community.

He, therefore, pleaded with the community to give maximum support to the contributory health scheme.