Japa: Oborevwori Urges Nigerian Doctors to Stay and Earn Respect at Home
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has appealed to Nigerian doctors and medical experts not to abandon the country for greener pastures abroad, stressing that their respect and dignity are best built at home rather than by taking caregiver roles overseas.
The governor made this call during a courtesy visit in Asaba by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Delta State chapter, led by its chairman, Dr. Israel Agadaigho, PulseNets learnt on Tuesday.
Governor Oborevwori, who commended the association for its resilience in delivering quality healthcare, noted that despite the global demand for medical professionals, Nigeria still needs its own doctors to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
“It is far better for our doctors to remain here in Nigeria and earn the respect they deserve than to travel abroad only to serve as care assistants,” he told PulseNets.
He highlighted that his administration had already invested significantly in modern healthcare infrastructure. According to him, Delta State recently obtained eight dialysis machines—three each installed at the Asaba Specialist Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri, while two were delivered to DELSUTH, Oghara. In addition, three advanced MRI machines were secured, one for each senatorial district.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his government’s resolve to upgrade hospitals across the state with state-of-the-art facilities. He also promised to carefully review and address the concerns raised by the NMA delegation.
On his part, the NMA chairman, Dr. Agadaigho, spoke to PulseNets and praised the administration’s strides in healthcare delivery. He highlighted improvements in primary healthcare, the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, and the deployment of mobile clinics targeted at maternal and child health.
Dr. Agadaigho also pointed out that under the governor’s leadership, more than 150 primary healthcare centres had been renovated across the state. He added that landmark institutions had been established, including the College of Health Technology in Ovrode, the College of Medical Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and the College of Nursing, Onicha-Uku.
He further revealed that Delta State was ahead of the federal government in paying residency training funds for medical doctors. According to him, the state had provided 25 units of 4D ultrasound scanners and additional MRI machines to boost diagnostic services.
Beyond the health sector, Dr. Agadaigho acknowledged the infrastructural achievements of the Oborevwori-led administration. He cited the dualisation of the Ughelli–Asaba Road, the construction of flyovers in Effurun and Warri, and the clearance of outstanding pension backlogs as proof of government commitment.
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He assured that the NMA would remain a dependable partner in advancing healthcare in Delta State, while also urging the government to urgently tackle the challenge of manpower shortages in the health sector.
With his appeal to doctors, Governor Oborevwori has joined the growing national conversation on halting the “japa syndrome” and brain drain in Nigeria’s medical field. His message, PulseNets reported, underscores a wider call for professionals to build their careers at home and strengthen the country’s capacity for sustainable healthcare delivery.
