NNPC/Chevron begins construction of 'Mother and Child' hospital in Ondo

In a bid to improve the maternal healthcare of the people of the riverine communities, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation/ Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government has begun the construction of a Mother and Child Hospital, at Ode Ugbo in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the project was in furtherance of the company's efforts to deliver sustainable community development projects in the target communities.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the hospital , which coincided with the 10th coronation anniversary of the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, held in Ode-Ugbo, the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, said building functioning healthcare center to the remote area, would enhance quick health delivery system to the residents of the communities.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, the governor, who commended NNPC / Chevron Joint Venture for the initiating the project, said the government would monitor the project till completion

He said " It ( the project) is going to improve our access to medical attention. I am assuring you today that the building work would be properly monitored by the state government and would be completed within a stipulated time."

The General Manager, Policy Government, and Public Affairs, Mr Esimaje Brikinn of the CNL, said the project was being sponsored by the oil company with the support of the government and some groups in the area.

He said, “ The Ilaje RDC (Rural Development Committee) and AMAICOMMA ( Amalgamation of Ilaje Ugbo Coastal Communities Association) are doing this project in partnership with the Ondo State Government with funding from Chevron to Improve maternal healthcare delivery in the riverine communities and also to enhance the quality of life in the region.

“The success we have recorded generally through GMoU/OMoU process reinforces CNL’s belief that the community-driven participatory model can stimulate quicker development process than a system designed without the effective participation of the communities and other relevant stakeholders."

Brikinn cited several achievements of the CNL-sponsored development organisations and reiterated that the company would continue to support the riverine communities.