Delta Offers Best Pay for Health Professionals, Says Oborevwori …Elumelu Awards N1m Each to Top Five Students

ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has declared that health workers in the state receive the highest remuneration in Nigeria. He made this known through the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, during the matriculation ceremony of students of the College of Nursing Science, FMC Asaba, Onicha-Uku, in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori commended the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, for his instrumental role in bringing the institution to Onicha-Uku. He urged the new students to remain committed and be worthy ambassadors of the College.

He encouraged students across health institutions in the state to see Delta as their destination for professional practice after graduation. According to him, the state government is prepared to integrate them into the public health workforce, where demand for skilled healthcare personnel is growing rapidly.

“Let me state clearly that the Delta State Government is one of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria, and our remuneration package for health workers is the highest in the country. I urge today’s matriculants not to be in a hurry to leave the state or travel abroad after their studies. Health workers are in very high demand here,” he said.

The Governor further noted that institutions such as the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), the Hospital Management Board, and Asaba Specialist Hospital have all received approvals to replace retired or exiting health staff. He encouraged the students to set their sights on becoming part of the state’s “wonderful healthcare delivery system” upon graduation.

While applauding Elumelu for his foresight and service to the community, the Governor described him as a “shining example of effective representation,” adding that other political representatives should emulate his dedication to development at both state and national levels.

Oborevwori also congratulated the parents and guardians of the matriculating students and advised the students to stay focused and avoid distractions, urging them to honour their parents through diligence and academic excellence.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu expressed gratitude to God and praised the joint efforts of the state and federal governments in establishing the college. He emphasized the critical role of nursing as a discipline founded on ethics, professionalism, and compassion, adding that the institution has quickly risen to become one of Nigeria’s best.

To further encourage academic excellence, Elumelu announced a scholarship of N1 million each for the five best graduating students of the college. He also pledged to undertake major infrastructure projects, including the construction and donation of a 50-bedroom hostel with a 500-capacity hall, estimated at N2.8 billion.

In addition, he promised to build a 1,000-capacity auditorium, to be named the College of Nursing Sciences Auditorium/Civic Centre, Onicha-Uku, and assured that the project would be completed within three months.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Dr. Victor Azubuike Osiatuma, traced the founding of the institution in 2023 to meet the nation’s increasing demand for skilled and compassionate healthcare workers. He highlighted the rapid growth of the college, describing it as a product of “vision, determination, and collaboration.”

“Our college in Onicha-Uku now boasts well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, clinical training partnerships, and a vibrant faculty made up of seasoned professionals,” Osiatuma said. He congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to remain focused and committed to their studies.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, expressed joy at witnessing the ceremony as the leader of the host local government. He assured students, staff, and management of the institution that adequate security and a conducive learning environment would be maintained.

The event featured an inaugural lecture by Dr. Charles Oloriegbie, Provost of Soaster College of Nursing, Aba-Unor, as well as the formal administration of the matriculation oath to the students by the Provost of the College of Nursing Science, FMC Asaba, Onicha-Uku.