Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has revealed that Delta State health workers remuneration is the highest in the country.
Governor Oborevwori represented by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, spoke on Tuesday in his remarks during the matriculation ceremony of Students of the College of Nursing Science, FMC Asaba, Onicha-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State.
The governor who applauded the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu, for the role he played in attracting the institution to Onicha-Uku, urged the matriculating students to be good ambassadors of the institution.
Oborevwori charged students in the various health institutions in the state to set their sights on becoming part of the State’s health providers upon graduation.
He assured that the state government is ready to absorb them into the state workforce, adding that health workers are in high demand in the state.
“Let me at this point state that the Delta State Government is a great employer of labour, and that the state government’s remuneration of health workers is the highest in the country. I ask today’s matriculates not to be in a hurry to leave the state or travel out of the country when they complete their studies. Health workers are in very high demand in Delta State.
‘Most of our health institutions such as the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) Oghara, the Hospital Management Board (HMB), and Asaba Specialist Hospital have subsisting approvals for the replacement of health workers as they retire or resign from the public service. Please, I advise you to set your sights on becoming part of the state’s wonderful healthcare providers upon graduation,” the governor stated.
Applauding Elumelu for his roles in attracting the institution to the state, the governor described the former Minority Leader as a shining example of quality representation adding that he expects other representatives at the state and national levels to follow in his footsteps.
While congratulating the parents and guardians of the students, the state governor counseled the students never to allow themselves to be distracted but use every opportunity they have as students of the Institution to make their parents proud by being fully committed to their academic pursuits.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu expressed gratitude to God and commended the efforts of Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and the Federal Government in establishing the college
Elumelu emphasized the importance of nursing as a specialized medical field that prioritizes ethics, professionalism, and patient well-being and highlighted the college’s achievements, noting that it has become one of the best institutions of its kind in Nigeria and beyond.
The former Minority Leader in a bid to promote academic excellence among the present set of matriculating students, announced scholarship awards for five best graduating students of the College worthy N1 million each.
Elumelu also announced his plans to help in further infrastructure development of the College through construction and donation of a 50 Bedroom hostel with a 500-capacity hall, estimated to cost N2.8 billion, which he assured would commence soon
He also promised to donate a 1000-capacity auditorium, to be known as the College of Nursing Sciences Auditorium/Civic Centre, Onicha-Uku, which he assured would be completed within a period of three months.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Dr Victor Azubuike Osiatuma who also gave a brief on the journey of the Institution said the college was established in 2023 to meet the growing demand for competent and compassionate healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
“Nestled in Onicha-Uku, Delta State, our college is a product of vision, determination, and collaborative efforts. From humble beginnings, we have grown steadily building not just infrastructure but a legacy of excellence, character formation, and innovation in nursing education.
“Today, our college boasts of well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, clinical training partnerships, and a dynamic faculty composed of seasoned professionals.”
While congratulating the students for earning their place in the institution, he urged them to be steadfast, focused and committed to their studies.
Also in his welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye appreciated God for witnessing the event, not just as a guest, but as the Executive Chairman of the Local Government where the Institution is located.
He assured students, staff and management of the Institution appropriate security and conducive environment to continue to function effectively as an institution of high learning in the Council area.
The high point of the ceremony was an inaugural lecture by the Provost of Soaster College of Nursing, Aba-Unor, Dr. Charles Oloriegbie as well as administration of Matriculation Oath to the Students by the Provost of College of Nursing Science FMC Asaba, Onicha-Uku