By Solomon Okpo
ORON, The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reinforced its commitment to healthcare enhancement in the region with the donation of a brand-new Toyota ambulance and essential medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the General Hospital, Iquita, Oron.
The gesture, spearheaded by the Executive Director of Projects at the NDDC, Sir Victor Antai, KJW, was described as timely and impactful by hospital administrators and community stakeholders who gathered on Monday to receive the intervention.
Speaking at the event, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem John, lauded the initiative, calling Sir Victor Antai “a man of the people.” He expressed profound appreciation to the NDDC for the support, while highlighting the hospital’s persistent challenges, including the need for diagnostic tools like X-ray and ultrasound machines, improved staff mobility, and enhanced patient accommodation.
In his response, Sir Victor Antai recalled the hospital’s role in his personal history, linking the donation to his 60th birthday and his deep-seated resolve to drive change. “This hospital played a vital role in my growth. Making this contribution today is personal and purposeful,” he said.
Antai reaffirmed that NDDC projects are designed to complement, not compete with, state government efforts. He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership style, describing him as a unifier who respects collaboration. In particular, he praised the remodelling of public schools, including his alma mater, Government Primary School, Uko Uyukim, as a testament to grassroots development.
In a direct response to a request by the Health Commissioner, Antai pledged to deliver a solar-powered borehole for the hospital’s emergency section “by tomorrow,” underscoring his commitment to responsive governance.
Present at the event were notable dignitaries including Akwa Ibom’s NDDC Representative, Pastor Abasiandikan Robert Nkono; State Director of NDDC, Engr. Evong; Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Sylvester Noah; members of the Oron Local Government Council; traditional rulers; and senior officials of the Commission.
This donation adds to the series of interventions by the NDDC aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and promoting well-being across the Niger Delta.
