FMC Asaba, Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre Seal Partnership To Strengthen Fight Against Drug Abuse
Royal Father backs long-term collaboration as stakeholders commit to expanding rehabilitation services and tackling substance abuse through sustainable healthcare interventions.
FMC Asaba, Rehabilitation Centre Formalise Partnership Against Drug Abuse
THE Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening efforts to combat drug abuse and improve rehabilitation services in Delta State.
The agreement, endorsed on 20 July 2026, received the blessing of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, who described the initiative as a timely and commendable intervention in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse.
The MoU was signed following a courtesy visit by the Chief Medical Director of FMC Asaba, Dr. Ekenem Omo, and members of the hospital’s management team to the royal palace, where they were received alongside members of the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre Committee led by Ogbueshi Dr. Ify Uraih.
Royal Endorsement for Sustainable Intervention
Speaking during the meeting, the Asagba praised all stakeholders involved in facilitating the partnership, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to protecting lives and restoring hope to individuals affected by drug addiction.
He said the agreement provides a solid framework for sustainable rehabilitation programmes capable of complementing government efforts to curb substance abuse.
According to the monarch, rehabilitation should not merely focus on treatment but also on reintegration, ensuring that recovered individuals can return to society as responsible and productive citizens.
Rehabilitation Centre Open to All Nigerians
The traditional ruler emphasised that the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre was established to serve everyone regardless of ethnic or geographical background.
He said the centre reflects the inclusive and hospitable culture of the Asaba people and should continue providing support to individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
The monarch also encouraged members of the rehabilitation committee and FMC management to remain committed to delivering quality services capable of transforming lives.
Monarch Recalls Symbolic Community Donation
Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation over punishment, the Asagba recounted the case of an Asaba indigene who died after becoming involved in illicit drug activities.
According to him, the deceased’s family rejected his inherited assets because they were linked to proceeds from illegal drug dealings and proposed donating them to the community.
Rather than accepting the assets for the community, the monarch said he directed that they be donated to the rehabilitation centre so they could support efforts to help others escape similar lifestyles.
FMC Asaba Commits to Effective Service Delivery
Earlier, Dr. Omo informed the monarch that the Memorandum of Understanding had been prepared by the hospital’s legal team to establish a structured operational framework between FMC Asaba and the rehabilitation centre.
He sought and obtained the royal father’s approval before the document was formally executed.
The CMD said the collaboration would enhance the delivery of rehabilitation and treatment services while promoting coordinated responses to drug addiction within the community.
The visit concluded with the formal signing of the agreement and a group photograph involving the royal father, hospital management and members of the rehabilitation committee.
