The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, August 29 2025, commissioned a 20-bedded, one-storey building for house officers (intern doctors) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTH), Akure.
The facility was built and donated by a businessman, Chief Sunday Owoyemi, popularly known as Sunny Owo.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the donation as a significant milestone contribution to the ongoing efforts at enhancing healthcare delivery in the State.
He praised Owoyemi’s generosity, noting that the gesture reflects the true spirit of partnership and collective responsibility.
According to him, “This project speaks eloquently to the spirit of partnership, philanthropy and collective responsibility which aligns perfectly with the OUR EASE agenda of our administration, especially in strengthening efficient healthcare and socio-economic welfare for the good people of Ondo State.”
The governor emphasized that his administration has continued to prioritize healthcare since assumption of office, expanding access to affordable services for residents across the state.
“We have widened the scope of the State Contributory Health Commission to take care of those in the informal sectors like artisans and market women. In addition, we developed bespoke Health Insurance products, including the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance which has provided succour to over 56,394 beneficiaries, with 19,047 safe deliveries recorded,” Governor Aiyedatiwa explained.
He further disclosed that the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) has catered for 105,116 enrollees across formal and informal sectors, while modern health insurance facilities have been established in five government hospitals under the Hospital Intervention Programme.
On emergency response, the governor revealed that the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency is being revitalized, with approval granted for the reactivation of the Emergency Call Centre in Ondo and procurement of additional ambulances.
Highlighting ongoing projects, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that the new 250-bedded hospital complex at UNIMEDTH, Akure is at 93% completion.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital, describing it as a development that will revolutionize healthcare delivery and expand opportunities for training, research and employment.
The governor stressed the importance of the new building for intern doctors, particularly in addressing the challenge of brain drain in the health sector.
“This building will help improve the welfare, morale and productivity of our young doctors, at a time when Nigeria grapples with the challenge of brain drain, or what is commonly called japa syndrome. An investment like this is a deliberate effort to retain talent, attract new professionals and reassure our medical personnel that Ondo State is a place to serve with pride,” he stated.
Expressing gratitude to the donor, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Owoyemi’s gesture as an inspirational advertisement of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Addressing the young doctors who will occupy the facility, the governor charged them to use it as a hub for excellence.
The donor of the new House Officers’ Building, Chief Sunday Owoyemi (SUNBETH), called on other well-meaning individuals to support government’s efforts in improving healthcare delivery.
Chief Owoyemi stressed the need for philanthropy, reminding the audience of the transient nature of wealth.
Speaking at the event, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his consistent support to the health sector, particularly in the recruitment of critical health personnel to strengthen service delivery.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Simidele Odimayo, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as incredible performance since assuming office.
“Mr. Governor has not only demonstrated commitment to healthcare, he has also ensured that competent hands were appointed to drive the sector,” Odimayo said.
He also applauded the donor, describing the intervention as a great boost to healthcare delivery in Ondo State.
“Chief Owoyemi has done something really remarkable. Beyond this facility, he has also donated an ambulance, which would make impact in saving lives”, Odimayo added.
In attendance were the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, Chairman, Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Victor Olusegun Ategbole, Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Health, Dr. Christopher Ogunlana, Director, Corporate Services, NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II and Chairman, Community Central Planning Committee on the establishment of the FUTA teaching hospital, Akure, Dr. Olufemi Oyinsan.