FMC YENAGOA HOSTS ₦15 BILLION CHARITY BALL FOR HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENT

May 3, 2026 News

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, successfully hosted its landmark Charity Ball on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, at the Government House Banquet Hall, Yenagoa. The high-profile event convened distinguished dignitaries, government officials, traditional rulers, corporate leaders, and development partners in a united effort to advance healthcare infrastructure in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region.

The event was led by the Medical Director of FMC Yenagoa, Dr. James Enemi Omietimi, who served as the Chief Host and Chairman of the Planning Committee. He was ably supported by the Co-Chairman of the Planning Committee and initiator of the project Barr. Festus Ofume.

The occasion was chaired by Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, who in his remark described the event as timely and significant, noting that healthcare remains a fundamental pillar of national development. He urged corporate organizations, well-meaning individuals, and international partners to key into the initiative, stressing that investing in health is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic investment in human capital. Ambassador Igali further emphasized that institutions like FMC Yenagoa require sustained support to function optimally, adding that improved healthcare infrastructure would not only benefit Bayelsa State but the entire Niger Delta region. He commended the hospital management for introducing innovative fundraising mechanisms and encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

The Royal father of the day, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, was represented by His Royal Majesty, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, Ogbanoba III of Ogbia Kingdom and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.

The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe. Prof. Brisibe while delivering the governor’s message emphasized that the Bayelsa State Government remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships and sustained investment. He noted that the health sector occupies a central place in the administration’s prosperity agenda, stressing that improved healthcare infrastructure and manpower development are critical to achieving better health outcomes for the people. He commended the management of FMC Yenagoa for initiating the fundraising gala, describing it as a proactive and innovative step toward addressing longstanding infrastructural deficits. According to him, government alone cannot shoulder the burden of healthcare financing, hence the need for collaboration with the private sector and development partners.

Also in attendance was the Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jones Stow, who represented the Honourable Commissioner of Health. Also present were a Member of the House of Representatives from the National Assembly, Hon. Fred Agbedi, and the Mayor of Yenagoa City, Hon. Boloye Ndiware, further underscoring the importance of the initiative at both federal and local levels.

The evening commenced with a red carpet reception at 4:00 PM, followed by the main gala event at 5:00 PM. The Charity Ball was conceived as a flagship fundraising and advocacy initiative aimed at mobilizing ₦15 Billion for critical healthcare infrastructure development at FMC Yenagoa.

The Chief Host, Dr. James Enemi Omietimi, in his remarks, disclosed that the hospital requires essential equipment such as CT scan machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems, incubators, phototherapy units, autoclaves, and anaesthetic machines, adding that stable electricity supply remains a major challenge. He emphasized the urgent need for strategic investment in healthcare infrastructure to improve service delivery, patient outcomes, and institutional capacity. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to becoming a hub of medical excellence in the Niger Delta.

Goodwill messages delivered by dignitaries highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges and commended FMC Yenagoa for its visionary leadership. The event recorded significant pledges toward achieving the ₦15 Billion fundraising target.

A major highlight of the event was the introduction of a novel fundraising initiative that allows individuals and organizations to sponsor specific hospital units, which would be named after them.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards of honour to Governor Diri, his wife, Gloria Diri, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali OON, Dr, Samuel Ogbuku MD NDDC, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo and Hon. (Mrs) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai in recognition of their contributions to healthcare development in the state.

The event also attracted strong media presence, with coverage by Arise TV, NDTV, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Niger Delta Herald ensuring wide visibility for the initiative and its objectives.

The Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, extends its sincere appreciation to all dignitaries, partners, sponsors, and guests whose presence and contributions made the event a resounding success.