The traditional ruler of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, HRM, Nzeuku Obi, has described the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences within his kingdom as a transformative milestone for the town and its environs.
The monarch made this statement in response to a recent inspection visit by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education to both the temporary and permanent sites of the university.
This visit was followed by the presentation of a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) to the federal representatives by the Delta State Government in Asaba, the state capital.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Utagba Ogbe, the monarch thanked the Delta State Government for approving the sites, which were donated by the indigenes of the kingdom.
Elaborating on the anticipated benefits of the university, he noted that, beyond increasing the local population, the institution would place Utagba Ogbe on national and global maps, while enhancing the kingdom’s commercial, academic, and tourism potentials.
“This development will ensure that a significant number of residents would be able to improve their academic qualifications and secure employment, leading to greater self-sustainability,” he added.
While applauding the efforts of Ndokwa and Utagba Ogbe elites in attracting the university, HRM Nzeuku Obi pledged his continued support to ensure the successful launch of the institution. He called for the cooperation of the host communities to facilitate the smooth development of the sites.
The royal father also issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the construction process, particularly by contractors under the guise of “Deve” or other forms of illegal revenue collection by youths.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale, Delta State, Professor Abel Onunu, has declared that the institution is here to stay.
His statement comes in response to widespread rumors suggesting that the university was nothing more than a scam.
This assurance followed the official presentation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the university’s permanent site in Kwale to the Federal Ministry of Education by the Delta State Government.
During a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oduosa of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom, HRM Nzeuku Obi, Prof. Onunu emphasized that the university’s establishment is genuine and that the federal government’s recent inspection of the 200 hectares of land donated by the kingdom’s indigenes further solidifies its permanence.
Onunu acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, much work remains before academic activities can commence, affirming that construction would begin at the permanent site as soon as the inspection report is finalized.
He also revealed that his office made every effort to prevent the relocation of the university from Kwale, Ndokwa land, to another area.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists during the federal government’s official inspection of the permanent site, the President General of Utagba Ogbe Kingdom, Chief Theophilus Adoh, described the event as historic for both the kingdom and the Ndokwa nation.
He highlighted that the inspection dispelled the notion that the university’s approval was a mere political ploy.
Adoh expressed gratitude on behalf of the Utagba Ogbe and Ndokwa communities to the federal government and the inspection team, noting that the approval of the university fulfilled a long-standing demand for a federal institution of higher learning in the area.
He recalled how years of verbal and written appeals, as well as agitations and visits to various authorities, finally bore fruit when former President Buhari approved the university’s establishment.
Looking forward, Adoh assured that the indigenes of Utagba Ogbe would take all necessary measures to protect and promote the university and its infrastructure from vandalism. He also called on all Ndokwa sons and daughters to contribute to the institution’s success, urging them not to leave everything to the government.
It is worth recalling that when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presented the C of O to the federal government in Asaba, he promised to collaborate with the university to ensure the speedy commencement of academic activities. Represented by Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor also handed over the General Hospital in Kwale as the take-off site for the university’s teaching hospital, alongside 200 hectares for the permanent site and 15 hectares for the temporary site.
Earlier, Mrs. Rakiya Gambo, who represented the Federal Ministry of Education during the inspection, expressed satisfaction with both the permanent and temporary sites, including the General Hospital.
She commended the Delta State Government for its support in presenting the Certificate of Occupancy to the federal government.
