The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health has directed the Hospital Management Board (HMB) to immediately activate the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) donated by Pastor Chuks Agidigbo to the Central Hospital, Kwale.
The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection visit to the hospital as part of its oversight functions.
Onwo expressed disappointment that the vital facility, received by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over a year ago, has remained unused despite its potential to save lives.
“All of us in this committee were shocked to learn that such an important facility, donated by a public-spirited individual, has been idle for one year after being handed over to our governor,” he said.
He emphasized that while government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of healthcare delivery, partnerships and private donations like Agidigbo’s should be fully utilized.
“If it is put to use, it will inspire others to make similar contributions. This facility was donated to save lives, and it should not be left idle,” Onwo stated.
He urged the HMB to engage qualified personnel — either ad hoc or permanent staff — to run the ICU, and to reach out to potential partners if needed.
“We are giving you the authority as a committee to make this place functional. If there are challenges, let us know, but don’t leave it dormant. It is better to start than not to start at all,” he added.
Onwo also commended Pastor Agidigbo for his generosity and suggested exploring collaboration with him or his team of experts to ensure efficient management of the facility.
“This ICU will serve communities across Ndokwa, Isoko, Patani, and even Ogwashi-Uku, since the only comparable facility in the state is in Asaba,” he noted.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Afinota Lawrence, explained that the delay in operationalizing the ICU was due to inadequate personnel.
The committee members who joined the oversight visit included Hon. Mathew Omonade, Hon. Festus Utuama, Hon. Barr. Odior Bernard, and Hon. Perkins Umukoro.
