by Akan Ido

Thanks to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) which has just signed an MOU with General Electric (GE) for a comprehensive healthcare project to be situated in Ogbia local government area, Oloibiri and neighbouring communities where crude oil was first discovered in Nigeria would soon have a fully equipped general hospital.

Other facilities include four primary healthcare centres with healthcare workers trained to international standards.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Lagos, the out-going country chair of Shell companies in Nigeria Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, said Shell is sponsoring the project to mark Nigeria’s centenary and to recognize the communities where oil was first discovered in Nigeria. According to him, the initiative would provide Universal Health Coverage and Health System for the people of Ogbia LGA. He maintained that Shell is committed to sustainable initiatives that empower communities rather than dishing out hand-outs. The Shell Chief Executive said he was particularly delighted that GE as project managers for the initiative would leverage on its global pedigree as infrastructure giants to deliver a world class project.

On his part GE Nigeria’s President and CEO Dr. Lazarus Angbazo said beyond the provision of healthcare infrastructure, the inclusion of research and training of healthcare professionals had made the project rather unique. Dr. Angbazo said GE was very delighted at the opportunity to deliver a project that will have a transformational impact on humanity. He said the provision of rural healthcare solutions is one of the focus areas of GE Healthcare’s business in Nigeria. “The impact of this project is not only on the physical infrastructure and the provision of healthcare services to the people of Oloibiri and neighboring communities, but also in the inherent employment opportunities that this initiative provides.

Isime Esene