By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State Government has lauded the synergy between the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while expressing his appreciation, particularly commended the contributions of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for championing the flag-off of free healthcare services, renovation of health facilities, donation of eleven ambulances, and the commissioning of a school project under the partnership.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor at the 2025 flag-off of the NDDC’s free medical outreach and donation of medical equipment to health centres in Otueshegha, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, praised the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for the poor and vulnerable.

Aiyedatiwa noted that the interventions are targeted at delivering lasting and affordable healthcare solutions, particularly to the underserved segments of the population.

The event, which took place in Bayelsa State, was chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu and witnessed the presence of dignitaries including wives of state governors, federal and state government officials, and other key stakeholders.

In her remarks, Senator Tinubu reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance healthcare access, especially in rural areas, through strategic partnerships such as the one between RHI and NDDC. She emphasised that the initiative seeks to reduce mortality rates and ensure that essential medical services reach communities in dire need.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh; Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo; Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC, Honourable Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Commission, Honourable Ifedayo Abegunde; Ondo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Honourable Otito Atikase; other members of the NDDC board, state leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and women stakeholders.

The nine Niger Delta states benefiting from the initiative include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Ondo, with Bayelsa playing host to the flag-off ceremony.