as gov Bassey Edet Otu commission okaka road.
By Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State government’s 5th-anniversary celebrations commenced with a medical outreach program at the Ikarama Cottage Hospital in Okordia Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Prosperity Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, aims to establish a robust and resilient healthcare system that ensures equitable access to quality medical services for residents, in line with the Assured Agenda.
Governor Diri stated that the outreach program provided free medical consultations, minor surgical interventions, screenings, health education, and preventive services to vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on maternal and child health.
He further noted that the facility would not only serve Bayelsa State but also benefit neighboring Rivers State, particularly residents of Joinkarama 1, 2, 3, 4, and Mbaiama.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, emphasized that the outreach program was fully operational, with medical staff deployed across all communities in Okordia Clan.
He highlighted that minor surgeries were successfully conducted at the facility, while complex cases would be referred to designated healthcare centers.
Additionally, he stressed that access to food supplements and healthcare is a fundamental right and urged Bayelsa residents to take full advantage of the opportunity.
His Royal Highness, Chief Wariebi Jonah Beribozigha, the paramount ruler of Ikarama Community, provided a historical account of the healthcare facility.
He explained that the idea of establishing a healthcare center was initiated between 1986 and 1995 by His Royal Highness, Chief Guine Okah, who donated the land for the project.
The construction of the health center commenced during the tenure of His Royal Highness, Chief Richard Seibe (1995–1998), who is currently the King of Okordia Clan.
The paramount ruler acknowledged the efforts of previous leaders in ensuring the facility’s proper functioning and its upgrade to a cottage hospital.
He expressed gratitude that, during his tenure, the facility received much-needed renovations and is now fully operational.
Meanwhile, Governor Douye Diri commended the Epie-Atissa community, traditional rulers, and residents along Road 24 in Okaka, Yenagoa, for their cooperation during the construction project.
His commendation came during the flag-off ceremony marking the state’s five-year anniversary, which began with medical outreach, commissioning, and inauguration of projects.
Governor Diri acknowledged the importance of the project, which was inherited from the previous administration, and reiterated his commitment to completing all government projects to the best of his administration’s abilities and resources.
He also appreciated the presence of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, describing him as a highly respected leader committed to the development of the region.
The governor made these remarks during the commissioning of Road 24, a project completed despite initial challenges. He also noted that the contracting firm had expressed interest in handling more projects, much like Oliver Twist asking for more.
