Ondo: Aiyedatiwa approves new hospital projects in Akure, Ikare, others

The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of new hospital buildings across key towns in the state, alongside decisions on health infrastructure, chieftaincy matters, and other governance issues.

The approvals were made during the meeting presided over by the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, and disclosed by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, while briefing newsmen after the council meeting.

Ajaka said the government has commenced a major expansion of healthcare facilities with the approval of 100-bed and 50-bed hospital projects across the state.

According to him, 100-bed hospitals will be constructed in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa, while additional 100-bed facilities will be provided for the State Specialist Hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.

He added that 50-bed hospitals were also approved for Irele and Igbokoda, along with two general hospitals designed as “one-stop shop” facilities where services such as laboratory tests, X-ray, consultation, and pharmacy will be housed within a single structure.

Ajaka explained that the projects, which total a 500-bed capacity, are aimed at improving access to quality healthcare across the state and reducing delays in patient treatment.

He noted that the one-stop shop model would improve efficiency by eliminating the need for patients to move between multiple departments before receiving care.

The commissioner also disclosed that approval was given for the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital, as well as the upgrade of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure.

He said the intervention became necessary due to rising cases of mental health conditions and drug abuse, which have overwhelmed existing facilities.

Ajaka added that the current psychiatric hospital is overstretched, with patients experiencing long waiting times, stressing that the new and upgraded facilities would improve capacity, privacy, and treatment quality.

Other approvals include a revised cost for the Contributory Health Commission building to allow for expansion, as well as the procurement of modern medical equipment for the Government House Clinic.

He further stated that advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scans, MRI, and mammography machines, will be installed at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo.

The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, confirmed the approval of the hospital projects and other infrastructure-related decisions, including the psychiatric hospital upgrade and the review of the health commission building project.

On chieftaincy matters, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the approval of several traditional ruler appointments and recognitions across the state.

These include the recognition of the Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira in Akoko South-East, and the appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the new Olojoda of Oda in Akure South.

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The council also approved the elevation of the Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro chieftaincy in Akoko North-West to Grade C status, as well as the appointment of four warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira.

Other appointments include Prince Jackson Akinson Okorisa as Olu of Jinrinwo in Ilaje, Prince Simeon Oyeleye Obaniyi as Olukakumo in Akoko North-East, and Prince Ayodele Akinnadeju as Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.

Similarly, the Ugbagbe of Oroto was recognised as Sepeluwa of Oroto in Ilaje Local Government Area, while warrant chiefs were also approved for the installation of a new Olofin of Irele.

The commissioner also said the meeting featured wide-ranging decisions covering health, infrastructure, and traditional institutions.

He added that it was the first Executive Council meeting of the year, coming after the state’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the first anniversary of the present administration.

He also noted that security was discussed during the meeting, referencing the governor’s recent visit to a community affected by a security incident, where he sympathised with residents.