 |
The Ondo State Government has approved the construction of new hospital facilities across key towns, alongside decisions affecting traditional institutions and public infrastructure.
The approvals were reached during a meeting of the State Executive Council presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, with details unveiled on Tuesday by commissioners shortly after the session.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, disclosed that the council sanctioned the development of multiple healthcare facilities as part of efforts to strengthen service delivery across the state. He explained that the plan covers several 100-bed and 50-bed hospitals to be sited in different communities.
According to him, the projects include 100-bed hospitals in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, in addition to similar capacity facilities at the State Specialist Hospital and another specialist centre in Igbokoda. He added that 50-bed hospitals would also be constructed in Irele and Igbokoda.
Ajaka noted that the projects, with a combined capacity of 500 beds, are designed to improve access to medical services. He explained that some of the facilities would operate as integrated “one-stop shop” centres where patients can access laboratory, diagnostic, consultation and pharmaceutical services within a single structure.
The commissioner further revealed that the council approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrade of the existing psychiatric facility in Akure. He said the decision was informed by rising cases of mental health challenges and substance abuse, which have placed pressure on available facilities.
He added that the present psychiatric hospital is overstretched, with patients often facing long waiting periods before admission, stressing that the new projects would enhance treatment standards and provide better care conditions.
Ajaka also stated that the council approved a review of the cost of the state contributory health commission building to accommodate expansion, as well as the procurement of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic.
He said arrangements were in progress to install advanced diagnostic machines, including CT scan, MRI and mammography equipment, at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, confirmed the approval of the hospital construction projects and the upgrade of the neuropsychiatric facility, noting that the council also reviewed the health commission building.
On chieftaincy matters, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the council approved a number of traditional rulership recognitions and appointments across the state.
He listed the recognition of the Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira Chieftaincy in Akoko South-East Local Government Area and the appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the Olojoda of Oda in Akure South Local Government Area.
Takuro added that the Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro Chieftaincy in Akoko North-West Local Government Area was elevated to Grade C status, while warrant chiefs were appointed to facilitate the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira.
Other approvals include the appointment of Prince Jackson Akinson Okorisa as the Olu of Jinrinwo in Ilaje Local Government Area, Prince Simeon Oyeleye Obaniyi as the Olukakumo in Akoko North-East Local Government Area, and Prince Ayodele Akinnadeju as the Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.
He further stated that Ugbagbe of Oroto was recognised as Sepeluwa of Oroto in Ilaje Local Government Area with Grade C status, while warrant chiefs were also appointed for the installation of a new Olofin of Irele.
Providing a summary, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the council meeting produced wide-ranging decisions affecting major sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure and local governance.
He noted that the session was the first Executive Council meeting of the year, coming after the celebration of the state’s 50th anniversary and the first anniversary of the present administration as an elected government.
Ajanaku added that security issues were also discussed, noting that the governor had earlier visited a community recently affected by a security incident to commiserate with residents.
0 Comments