Residents of Polobubo (Tsekelewu) in Delta State have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in the long-standing abandonment of a cottage hospital in their community, linking the facility’s inactivity to ongoing maternal and child deaths.

In an open letter made public on Thursday in Warri and signed by Mr. Paul Toruwei, President of the Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Bloc Communities, the residents expressed concern over what they described as government inaction despite repeated calls for support.

According to the letter, the hospital was constructed and equipped at a cost of ₦596 million through a partnership involving Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Egbema-Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation under the Global Memorandum of Understanding. It was officially handed over to the Delta State Government in 2018.

“Sadly, the hospital has remained non-functional due to inadequate staffing, lack of essential equipment, and total government neglect,” the letter stated.

The community noted that, without medical staff or essential services, the facility has failed to serve its intended purpose. “There are no resident doctors, nurses, or technical staff—no presence of the medical professionals needed to provide even the most basic healthcare services,” the letter added.

Residents say the consequences have been severe. “We have lost hundreds of souls—including children and pregnant women—as a direct result of this hospital not functioning. Conditions that should have been easily treated have become fatal due to the absence of prompt medical attention. The community mourns, not because help is impossible, but because it has been willfully withheld.”

The letter described the hospital as a symbol of neglect rather than a place of care. “The hospital, which should be a pillar of life-saving services, has instead become a monument of despair and neglect.”

It also noted the community’s economic relevance to the state and the country, noting its role in hosting several oil and gas operations. “The community plays host to numerous major oil and gas operations, including Chevron Nigeria Limited in Opuekeba, Olero Fields, and offshore flow stations; NPDC/Elcrest Joint Venture, operators of the Opuama Flow Station (OML 40); Tsekelewu/Polobubo Marginal Field with about five oil wells to be operated by Sahara Energy Limited; Tsekelewu/Polobubo Marginal Field – OML 130 Concession set to be operated by Conoil Nigeria Limited, among others.”

Referencing these economic contributions, the letter stated that the failure to maintain a functioning healthcare facility is especially troubling. “This failure is particularly unacceptable when viewed against the immense contributions of the Polobubo (Tsekelewu) community to the economic strength of Delta State and the nation at large.”

The community urged Governor Oborevwori to prioritise the hospital’s rehabilitation. “We call on the Delta State Government to urgently revive the Polobubo Cottage Hospital by deploying qualified medical professionals — doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff; restoring and upgrading medical equipment and diagnostic tools; ensuring consistent medical supplies and funding for operational sustainability.”

The community reminded the state government of its responsibilities, insisting that the Polobubo (Tsekelewu) community has fulfilled its role in the social contract by supporting economic activities, facilitating oil production, and accommodating corporate operations.

They urged the government to uphold its duty to safeguard and support the community, ensuring that the Polobubo Cottage Hospital serves its intended purpose of saving lives rather than contributing to their loss.