…upgrades psychiatric centre, appoints new traditional rulers
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of 500-bedded hospital buildings across the state, alongside a series of chieftaincy and infrastructure decisions, at its meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The approvals, which cut across major sectors, were announced on Tuesday during a press briefing by members of the council.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the government had embarked on a comprehensive expansion of healthcare infrastructure through the approval of several 100-bedded and 50-bedded hospital buildings.
He stated that the projects include 100-bedded hospital buildings in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, as well as additional 100-bedded facilities for the state specialist hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.
Ajaka further disclosed that 50-bedded hospital buildings were approved for Irele and Igbokoda, alongside two general hospitals structured as “one-stop shop” facilities where laboratory, X-ray, consultation and pharmacy services would be provided within a single building.
He explained that the cumulative capacity of the approved projects stands at 500 beds, noting that the development is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services across the state.
According to him, the one-stop shop model is designed to streamline service delivery and eliminate the need for patients to move between different units before receiving treatment.
The commissioner also revealed that the council approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital, as well as the upgrading of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure.
He said the move was necessitated by the growing burden of mental health challenges and drug abuse, which has placed considerable pressure on existing facilities.
Ajaka noted that the current psychiatric hospital is overstretched, with patients often waiting for months for admission, adding that the new and upgraded facilities would provide modern treatment conditions and improved privacy.
He added that the council approved a revised cost for the contributory health commission building to enable expansion, as well as the procurement and installation of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic.
The commissioner further stated that plans were underway to install advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI and mammography machines, at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, said the council also approved the construction of hospital buildings.
He added that the upgrading of a neuropsychiatric hospital in Akure was equally approved, while the contributory health building was reviewed.
On traditional matters, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the council approved several recognitions and appointments of traditional rulers.
These include the recognition of Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira Chieftaincy in Akoko South-East Local Government Area and the appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the new Olojoda of Oda in Akure South Local Government Area.
Also approved were the recognition of Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro Chieftaincy in Akoko North-West Local Government Area to Grade C status and the appointment of four warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira.
The council further approved the appointments of Prince Jackson Akinson Okorisa as the new Olu of Jinrinwo in Ilaje Local Government Area; Prince Simeon Oyeleye Obaniyi as the new Olukakumo in Akoko North-East Local Government Area; and Prince Ayodele Akinnadeju as the new Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.
Similarly, Ugbagbe of Oroto was recognised as Sepeluwa of Oroto in Ilaje Local Government Area to Grade C status, while warrant chiefs were appointed for the installation of a new Olofin of Irele.
Providing an overview, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the council took far-reaching decisions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, health and local government.
He noted that the meeting marked the first Executive Council session of the year, coming after the state’s 50th anniversary and the first anniversary of the current administration as an elected government.
Ajanaku added that security also featured in deliberations, noting that the governor had earlier visited a community affected by a recent security breach to sympathise with residents.