I have read the report that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bill seeking to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ihima has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
While acknowledging the importance of expanding access to quality healthcare in Kogi Central, I respectfully urge the Distinguished Senator to consider the existing Federal Medical Centre Annex located along Ajaokuta Road, Checkpoint Community, Okene.
The facility, facilitated by Prince Muhammed Ataaba Sani Omolori, the Ciroma of Ebiraland and former Clerk of the National Assembly, deserves urgent attention to ensure its completion, equipping, and commencement of full operations.
My question is simple: Why pursue the establishment of another Federal Medical Centre when an existing facility in Okene reportedly awaits completion and operationalisation?
Rather than allowing existing infrastructure to remain underutilised, I respectfully appeal to the Distinguished Senator to visit the site, assess its present condition, and initiate concrete steps towards bringing the facility into full operation.
A legislative proposal should not be measured solely by its passage through parliamentary stages but also by its potential to deliver tangible benefits to the people.
A SPECIFIC ACTION PLAN FOR SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN
To translate this appeal into measurable results, I propose the following action plan:
- Conduct an On-the-Spot Assessment Within 30 Days
The Distinguished Senator should personally visit the existing FMC Annex along Ajaokuta Road, Checkpoint Community, Okene, accompanied by relevant health authorities, community representatives, and other stakeholders.
The assessment should establish:
- The current physical condition of the facility.
- The level of construction completed and the outstanding work.
- The availability of medical equipment, utilities, and supporting infrastructure.
- The estimated funding required to complete and operationalise the facility.
- The institution or federal agency responsible for its management.
- Convene a Stakeholders’ Meeting Within 45 Days
The Senator should facilitate a meeting involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Finance where necessary, relevant federal health agencies, the National Assembly, and representatives of the original project facilitators.
The meeting should clarify the facility’s ownership, administrative status, funding history, and the practical steps required to bring it into operation.
Prince Muhammed Ataaba Sani Omolori, the Ciroma of Ebiraland and former Clerk of the National Assembly, should also be invited to contribute relevant information regarding the project’s conception and facilitation.
- Publish a Completion and Operationalisation Roadmap Within 60 Days
Following the assessment and stakeholders’ meeting, the Senator should facilitate the preparation of a clear roadmap containing:
- A verified estimate of the cost of completing the facility.
- A funding strategy and identification of responsible agencies.
- A construction and equipment procurement schedule.
- A proposed staffing and management arrangement.
- A realistic target date for commencing medical services.
The roadmap should be communicated to the public to promote transparency and accountability.
- Pursue Federal Funding and Administrative Approvals Within 90 Days
The Senator should engage the appropriate authorities to determine whether the project can be completed through existing budgetary allocations, a supplementary appropriation where justified, or another lawful funding arrangement.
Where necessary, she should pursue the relevant legislative and administrative processes to secure the outstanding approvals and funding.
The objective should be to move the facility from an existing physical structure to a functional healthcare institution.
- Establish a Public Monitoring Mechanism
A monitoring committee comprising relevant government representatives, healthcare professionals, community stakeholders, and civil society representatives should track progress.
The committee should provide periodic public updates on:
- Funds approved and released.
- Construction and renovation milestones.
- Equipment procurement and installation.
- Recruitment and deployment of healthcare personnel.
- The commencement of outpatient, emergency, diagnostic, and other available medical services.
The ultimate measure of success should be the delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the people—not merely the existence of a building or the passage of a bill.
- Reassess the Proposed New FMC in Ihima
I respectfully urge the Distinguished Senator to ensure that a technical and financial assessment of the existing Okene facility informs decisions concerning the proposed FMC in Ihima.
If the proposed new centre addresses a distinct and demonstrable healthcare need, its establishment should be considered on its merits. However, if the existing facility can meet significant unmet needs through completion and expansion, that option deserves serious consideration.
The people of Kogi Central deserve evidence-based decisions that maximise public investment and expand access to healthcare across the district.
A SECOND PRIORITY: UPGRADE THE FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO A FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
Beyond healthcare, I also call on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to prioritise the upgrading of the Federal College of Education in Okene to a full-fledged Federal University of Education, subject to the necessary feasibility assessments and statutory approvals.
To achieve this objective, I propose the following steps:
First: Conduct a feasibility study to assess the institution’s infrastructure, academic programmes, staffing, student population, and readiness for university status.
Second: Convene consultations with the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, the National Universities Commission, and other relevant authorities to determine the appropriate legal and regulatory pathway.
Third: Develop a proposal covering the required legislation, funding, infrastructure, academic programmes, staffing, and institutional governance.
Fourth: Pursue the necessary legislative processes and advocate for appropriate budgetary provisions to support the proposed transition.
Fifth: Establish a transparent implementation framework with measurable milestones, public reporting, and clear accountability for progress.
Upgrading the institution could expand opportunities for teacher education, strengthen academic development, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the educational advancement of Kogi Central and Nigeria at large.
MY APPEAL TO THE DISTINGUISHED SENATOR
Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, our appeal is founded on the principle that development should combine new initiatives with the completion and effective use of existing public infrastructure.
We recognise the importance of legislative initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare access. However, we also believe that the existing FMC Annex in Okene deserves a thorough assessment and a determined effort towards operationalisation.
I therefore respectfully request that you:
- Visit the existing FMC Annex in Okene within 30 days.
- Convene a stakeholders’ meeting within 45 days.
- Facilitate a costed completion and operationalisation roadmap within 60 days.
- Engage the appropriate federal authorities on funding and implementation within 90 days.
- Initiate a structured process towards upgrading the Federal College of Education in Okene to a Federal University of Education.
These proposed timelines are recommendations intended to encourage urgency and accountability, not assertions of existing government commitments.
Our collective objective should be to ensure that legislative efforts translate into functioning healthcare facilities, stronger educational institutions, employment opportunities, and measurable improvements in the lives of our people.
Let us complete what has already been started, strengthen what already exists, and establish new institutions where evidence demonstrates a clear need.
The people of Kogi Central deserve development that is visible, sustainable, and accountable.
Signed:
Comrade Abduljelil Umar Adabara
Convener, Education Task Force & Analyst
