KEY POINTS
- Ogun monarch urges community support for healthcare infrastructure growth.
- Ijebu age-grade donates N60 million ($37,500) healthcare facility to Ogun State Hospital.
- Government pledges to ensure effective use of the healthcare facility.
Ogun State monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has called on individuals and corporate organizations to play an active role in developing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
The paramount ruler of Ijebu land made this appeal on Sunday during the inauguration of a N60 million medical facility donated by Egbe Arobayo Obinrin, an age-grade group in Ijebu land, to the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu Ode.
Speaking at the event, Oba Adetona, represented by Oba Abdulrasaq Adenugba, the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, highlighted the need for sustained investment in healthcare facilities. He stressed the crucial role that quality healthcare plays in improving the well-being of citizens and driving the nation’s socio-economic growth.
“I must say that I am really impressed with the standard of this project executed by Egbe Arobayo Obinrin. It is a welcome development that will further support the government’s desire to improve the health of its citizens,” Oba Adetona stated.
Furthermore, he lauded the efforts of the Ijebu age-grade group for its commitment to giving back to the community. He urged other groups, individuals, and corporate organizations to follow their example, emphasizing that supporting healthcare would have a lasting impact on society.
Healthcare facility aims to improve patient care experience
The N60 million project spearheaded by Egbe Arobayo Obinrin, an Ijebu age-grade group, was part of activities to mark the group’s 20th anniversary. The new facility aims to provide a more comfortable experience for patients visiting the hospital, addressing the long-standing challenge of inadequate waiting areas.
Speaking at the event, the group’s leader, Alhaja Taiwo Odumosu, revealed that the project was a response to the discomfort patients face while waiting for medical attention.
“With the construction of this building, we have been able to provide a comfortable place for patients to receive care whenever they visit the hospital. The challenge of being drenched whenever it rains has become history,” Odumosu said.
The General Secretary of the group, Mrs. Omotola Peter-Akrawa, echoed this sentiment, stating that the project aimed to create a better first point of contact for patients and the hospital.
She said, “The importance of this project lies in the fact that it is the first contact between the hospital and the patient. Now, the patients will no longer be exposed to harsh weather conditions or be beaten by rain when waiting to receive medical care.”
Government, community leaders pledge support for healthcare partnerships
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Wellington Ogunsanya, commended the age-grade group for its generosity and for partnering with the state government to improve healthcare delivery.
Moreover, Dr. Coker acknowledged the group’s contribution to healthcare development, stating that the government would ensure the proper use of the facility.
She emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government, private sector, and community-based groups to drive sustainable improvements in the health sector.
According to Punch, the commissioner further called for more partnerships to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure better services for the citizens of Ogun State.
“We appreciate this gesture, and I want to assure the donors that the state government will ensure that the facility is properly utilized to achieve its purpose of enhancing healthcare service delivery,” Dr. Coker said.
