The Federal Government has reaffirmed that healthcare remains a central pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the rapid establishment of federal tertiary health institutions across the country.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known in Abuja while receiving the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, Michael Ogheneove Orugbo, during a courtesy visit.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, 15th April, 2026, by Ado Barko, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
Salako said the creation of new federal tertiary hospitals demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare nationwide.
He noted that the current government has established more such institutions within a short period than previous administrations.
The Minister commended the Udu monarch for the visit, describing it as a rare show of appreciation from a beneficiary community, and linked it to the ruler’s passion for development.
He disclosed that the Oviam Federal Medical Centre was approved by the President and that steps are underway to ensure its full development.
Salako said the Medical Director has been directed to prepare a five-year operational plan to guide budgeting, adding that groundbreaking for the permanent site will take place before the end of the President’s first term.
The Minister also lauded contributions from the host community, including land donations, medical supplies worth millions of naira, and digital equipment provided by the Oyeye Foundation.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facility and work closely with government to ensure sustainability.
Earlier, Orugbo expressed gratitude to the federal government for approving the medical centre in Udu Kingdom, describing the move as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the area.
He highlighted the industrial significance of the kingdom but stressed that health and education remain the most critical drivers of development.
The monarch pledged continued support for both federal and state governments to ensure the smooth take-off of the hospital from its temporary site.
He also appealed for the speedy commencement of construction at the permanent location and thanked the minister for appointing an indigene of the community as Medical Director of the facility.