By Staff Reporter
Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to legislation establishing the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh.
The lawmaker described the presidential assent as a landmark development capable of transforming the socio-economic landscape of Delta South and creating new opportunities for residents of the senatorial district.
Joel-Onowakpo disclosed this after accompanying the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, on a visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/08/27/oborevwori-delta-state-35-anniversary-achievements/
According to the senator, the signing of the two laws represents a major victory for the people of Delta South and a significant step towards strengthening federal presence and investment in the area.
He said he used the opportunity of the visit to personally appreciate President Tinubu for giving legal backing to the two institutions, which he described as projects of enduring importance to Delta South and the wider Niger Delta region.
Boost for Maritime Education
Joel-Onowakpo said the establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as a full-fledged federal institution would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime education and human-capital development.
He noted that the university could position Delta South as a strategic centre for maritime training, research, innovation and industry development.
According to him, the institution has the potential to attract students, academics, researchers, investors and maritime-related businesses to the area.
Healthcare Expansion
The senator also described the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, as a major intervention in the healthcare sector.
He said the institution would expand access to tertiary healthcare services in Delta South and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the senatorial district in search of specialised medical treatment.
Beyond healthcare delivery, he noted that the medical centre could create employment opportunities while supporting medical training and healthcare investment.
Joel-Onowakpo stressed that both institutions should not be regarded merely as physical infrastructure.
He described them as strategic investments in the future of the people of Delta South.
“I used the opportunity to thank Mr. President for signing into law the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, in Delta South Senatorial District,” he said.
More Federal Interventions
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content and serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, said the development demonstrated the impact of purposeful representation, constructive engagement and effective executive-legislative collaboration.
He assured constituents that he would continue to pursue legislation and federal interventions capable of attracting investments, creating jobs, improving healthcare and expanding educational opportunities across Delta South.
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Joel-Onowakpo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio for their support, promising to continue working towards bringing more federal projects and opportunities to the senatorial district.
He said effective representation must ultimately translate into measurable improvements in the lives of constituents.
