The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojame, has been honoured by The National Trumpet Magazine for his outstanding contributions to the growth and reform of the state’s health sector. The award presentation took place during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health by the magazine’s publisher and senior media practitioners.
Speaking during the visit, the Publisher of The National Trumpet Magazine, Prince Charles Umejie, said the team was impressed by the commissioner’s achievements and felt compelled to formally recognise his leadership.
Umejie noted that the visit had long been planned but was delayed due to tight schedules. According to him, the support of the Senior Special Assistant and the Public Relations Officer of the ministry made the meeting possible.
He assured the commissioner that the magazine practices responsible journalism focused on development and positive impact rather than sensationalism.
“We are not here to look for faults or spread negativity,” Umejie said. “Our mission is to highlight progress and commend those who are making a meaningful difference. And we must say that we are truly impressed with what the Ministry of Health has achieved under your leadership.”
He praised Dr Onojame for redefining leadership and proving that competence is not tied to age.
“You have broken the old belief that leadership is only for the elderly. Your style shows that young people can lead effectively with vision and commitment,” he added.
The publisher commended the significant improvements in clinics, medical centres, and general hospitals across Delta State, noting that many health facilities now have better infrastructure and a more welcoming environment.
“In the past, people were afraid of going to hospitals because of their terrible conditions. Today, the transformation is evident, and public confidence is returning,” he said.
Umejie also applauded the commissioner’s intervention in resolving issues in the Colleges of Nursing Sciences, where examination malpractice, admission fraud, and student discomfort had become widespread. He said the government’s prompt action under the commissioner restored stability and ensured that this year’s admission process was more transparent and credible.
He further highlighted reforms in the Hospital Management Board, improvements in general administration, and the restructuring of the Contributory Health Scheme, describing them as signs of strong teamwork in the ministry.
“These reforms are why we felt it was important to visit you—to encourage and commend you for the wonderful work you are doing,” he said.
Onojame Dedicates Award to Delta People, Highlights Ongoing Reforms
Receiving the award, Dr Joseph Onojame thanked the Trumpet Africa team for the honour, describing it as a motivation not just for him but for public servants across various ministries.
“This recognition is not just about me. It is an encouragement for others to do more. When everyone performs well, the people of Delta State benefit,” he said.
The commissioner reiterated that awards should inspire higher performance rather than create competition, adding that the ministry is prioritising improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and human resources.
Highlighting recent efforts to strengthen the health workforce, Onojame announced that the state government had approved a revised remuneration package for doctors. The new structure provides a minimum of ₦600,000 for the least-paid doctor and up to ₦1.8 million for senior categories.
“This is to encourage our doctors, especially those who have chosen to remain in the state. For many years, we lost doctors to better opportunities abroad, but the trend is reducing with the reforms we are implementing,” he said.
The commissioner emphasised that quality health care requires not only modern buildings but also well-trained personnel.
“A beautiful hospital without qualified personnel is useless. That is why we are focusing equally on infrastructure, equipping, and human resources,” he explained.
Dr Onojame also revealed that Delta State recently won a global health award supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, which came with a $400,000 grant. Representatives of both organisations are expected in the state on Friday for another award ceremony.
“This shows that your recognition today is not misplaced. If respected bodies at national and international levels acknowledge our efforts, then your award is well aligned with the progress being made,” he said.
He thanked the magazine for the honour and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving health care delivery across Delta State.
“Thank you, and God bless you,” he concluded.
