Ovrode of Isoko Nation

In a surprise move that has sent ripples across the state’s healthcare sector, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme paid an unscheduled visit to the General Hospital Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area, where he expressed strong displeasure over the deplorable state of affairs in the facility.

The Commissioner, who arrived at the hospital, was reportedly shocked to find that key personnel, including the Resident Doctor, the hospital administrator, and several other critical staff, have not resumed duty as at 10:30am and patients were left unattended. The Commissioner described the situation as “unacceptable and irresponsible”, emphasizing that public health facilities must remain accountable to the people they serve.

Dr. Onojaeme was particularly angered by the poor management of the state of the art hospital equipments and infrastructure. He particularly cited the deplorable condition of the hospital chairs, many of which are unfit for use by patients, pointing out that there was no justification for such negligence, especially considering that the Delta State Government had approved the full plough-back of the hospital’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of over 1.5m monthly for its maintenance and operational needs.

“It is totally unacceptable that this facility is in such a state even with the sophisticated medical equipment at the hospital” the Commissioner said while addressing the few staff present. “The state government has done its part by approving the retention of 100% IGR to support hospital maintenance and service delivery. What then is the excuse for this mismanagement?”

The Commissioner emphasized that the Delta State government would not tolerate incompetence or indiscipline in the state’s health sector. He announced that immediate steps would be taken to overhaul the hospital’s management structure, including the transfer of the current administrative leadership.

He also warned other health institutions across the state to brace up for similar unscheduled inspections, as part of his ministry’s renewed efforts to enforce discipline, transparency, and efficiency in public healthcare delivery.

The unscheduled inspection is part of the Delta State Government’s renewed effort to strengthen its healthcare delivery system under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery across all public health institutions.

In recent years, Delta State’s healthcare landscape has witnessed a dynamic transformation under the stewardship of Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Commissioner for Health. His approach—marked by bold reforms, strategic partnerships, and a relentless drive to uplift health standards—embodies a vision in action.

1. Expanding Health Insurance Coverage:

During the Governor’s first 100 days in office, Dr. Onojaeme announced an ambitious target: enrolling 100,000 more people into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHC). For just ₦7,000 annually, registrants gain access to comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare—including surgeries such as appendectomies and herniorrhaphies.

As of mid‑2024, the scheme covered over 1.44 million enrollees, including nursery groups like pregnant women and children under five—reflecting the scheme’s growing reach and equity focus.

2. Strategic Investments & Recognition:

December 2024, Delta State received $400,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation via the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge. The grant, tied to the “MORE” agenda and revitalization of over 150 Primary Health Centers by His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledged leadership and sectoral progress .

April 2025, The DSCHC was awarded “Most Innovative Health Insurance Agency of the Year 2025,” underscoring the State’s forward-thinking reforms .

3. Tackling Systemic Challenges:

Dr. Onojaeme led a payroll cleanup, identifying and eliminating 301 ghost workers, a move that reclaimed resources and restored integrity to health financing.

He prioritized infrastructural upgrades and medical equipment acquisition across the state: eight dialysis machines, 25 ultrasound scanners, and two CT scans, enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacity.

4. Strengthening Workforce & Institutional Capacity:

To address medical brain drain, the State now offers revised CONMESS salaries without taxing allowances and swiftly replaces any health worker who leaves—a strategy to retain critical human resources.

Alongside these incentives, physical upgrades—like CT‑Scan installations at Delsuth Oghara and Central Hospital Warri—improve working conditions and healthcare delivery.

Dr. Onojaeme also spearheaded the establishment of two new training institutions: a College of Health Technology in Ovrode and a College of Health Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, addressing long-term workforce sustainability.

5. Accountability & Performance Monitoring:

In November 2024, Dr. Onojaeme took a firm stand against absenteeism. He publicly warned that any health worker in the State not performing their duties will be sanctioned, emphasizing that taxpayer money demands accountability.

Simultaneously, he inspected and encouraged the completion of critical infrastructure projects like house officer quarters and ward expansions.

6. Leading Public Health Initiatives:

Amid multiple cholera outbreaks in 2024, Dr. Onojaeme spearheaded the State’s collaboration with the NCDC and local agencies. Though 118 cases were recorded, there were no reported deaths thanks to swift, community-focused interventions.

In July 2025, he launched the Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Nutrition Health (AIM‑MNCNH) project, targeting postpartum hemorrhage prevention—a leading cause of maternal mortality—funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and delivered in partnership with several key organizations.

7. Civic Trust & Local Endorsement:

Civil society groups gave strong approval of his reforms. The Isoko Ideological Class (IIC) commended Dr. Onojaeme’s contributions, particularly in institutional upgrades and merit-driven reforms .

In 2024, he countered press reports downplaying healthcare workers’ dedication, affirming that Delta’s healthcare professionals are among Nigeria’s most committed—crediting their quality care as central to the success of the contributory insurance scheme.

Conclusion: Vision Realized Through Action:

Dr. Joseph Onojaeme’s tenure as Commissioner for Health is a blueprint in what visionary leadership looks like in public service. From bolstering financial systems and workforce welfare, to launching life-saving interventions and insuring access for the vulnerable—his strategies align seamlessly with Governor Oborevwori’s “MORE” agenda.

By coupling innovative policies with accountability, reforms with empathy, and technology with training, Dr. Onojaeme embodies a transformative vision in action—shaping a healthier, stronger Delta State.

In a commendable gesture, it is .worthwhile to recognize the unrelenting spirit of sportsmanship and resilience displayed by the Delta State Commissioner for Health in complementing the MORE Agenda in the health sector.

His commitment to revolutionizing the state’s Health sector and bringing the benefits of democracy to the people is groundbreaking and cannot be overemphasized.

The unrelenting efforts of Dr. Joseph Onojaeme in aligning with the MORE Agenda of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori , Delta State’s industrious governor, underscore his potential as a Health Commissioner. The impressive accomplishments registered during serve as testaments to his ability to attain substantial successes with the governor’s ongoing backing, all aimed at propelling Delta State forward through the MORE Agenda.

Throughout the healthcare industry, the Honourable Commissioner highlighted the significance of meticulous monitoring and supervision, emphasizing that healthcare workers are expected to demonstrate commitment and professionalism, considering the state’s considerable healthcare spending.

While commending Dr. Joseph Onojaeme for his dedication to implementing the MORE Agenda in the health sector, it is noteworthy that the Health Commissioner has consistently prioritized infrastructural development and bringing joy to grassroots communities through democratic dividends.

While we continue to capitalize on the remarkable achievements, standards and quality projects being executed by the working Governor, we are also rendering our unwavering commitment and support towards the re-election of our dear Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, in 2027.

The uncommon empathy leadership style and kind gesture of Dr Joseph Onojaeme continue to inspire resilience in the hearts and minds of the Isoko Nation and its environs, fostering full confidence that the health Commissioner will continue his good works in line with the MORE Agenda, advancing Delta State.

As part of a broader initiative to enhance statewide access to emergency care services, consistent with the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State government has formally established the State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (SEMTC), headed by Dr Valentine Eziashi.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, inaugurated the committee on behalf of the State government, stating that the SEMTC will play a crucial role in coordinating, monitoring, and ensuring the efficiency, accountability, and quality of the Delta State Emergency Ambulance Service, thereby ensuring citizens’ access to prompt and life-saving medical attention during emergencies.

He reaffirmed that the primary goal is to reduce preventable deaths by ensuring a swift, reliable, and well-coordinated response system is in place to assist citizens when needed most, under the Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn care and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn care platform. Additionally, he mentioned that this service is available to a minimum of 25 secondary health facilities, apart from the five pilot hospitals, namely Central Hospital Warri, Sapele, Agbor, Ughelli, and Asaba Specialist Hospital.

Onojaeme, in his concluding remarks, exhorted all committee members to carry out this responsibility with excellence and integrity, as he expressed his appreciation to all members for accepting to serve in this capacity.

The Isoko Idealogocal class, a formidable political pressure group made up of very influential young politicians in Isoko North Lga and convened by the Commissioner for Health Dr. Joseph Onojaeme are set for a media parley with the National Union of journalists, Delta state chapter to address the state of Governance in Delta state.

Stay tuned ..

@highlight

BOAT PROPELLERS FOR SALE BY MAZINO SOZINO SERVICES LIMITED.
@ 4 OLD AIRPORT RD, EFFURUN – WARRI, DELTA STATE
Contact – 08037105650 Email: sonneyeture@gmail.com