From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve and strengthen tertiary healthcare across the country, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has commissioned five major infrastructure projects at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The projects which was commissioned last Saturday was executed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda designed to enhance service delivery, improve population health outcomes and, working conditions.
In a statement signed and issued in Abuja by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mr. Alaba Balogun said speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and pledged continued state government support for health innovation.
“The Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and other medical institutions across the state play a crucial role in delivering efficient and effective medical care,” the governor said. “We extend this assurance to other sectors as well, recognizing that collaborative partnerships among stakeholders are essential for inclusive and sustainable development.”
He called on all health institutions within Ogun State, regardless of ownership, to strengthen partnerships among themselves and with the state government.
“What matters to the people is not who delivers the care, but that the care is delivered effectively,” Governor Abiodun noted, quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “Health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to formulating and implementing policies that support public health through preventive care, healthcare education, and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
In a significant gesture, Governor Abiodun announced the donation of the Ogun State Model College building at Onijogbon-Jongon in Abeokuta, to serve as the take-off infrastructure for the newly approved Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.
“Following the request of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and in appreciation of the Federal Government’s approval of this prestigious university, we have decided to donate yet another existing facility,” the governor declared. “This marks the second time we are making such a contribution for the benefit of federal health education.”
He expressed gratitude for the naming of the newly commissioned Works and Maintenance Department building after him, saying, “I feel deeply honored as this is the first public building to bear my name.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised the projects as a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
“As part of President Tinubu’s second anniversary, we are commissioning strategic health projects nationwide that touch on clinical care, administration, and support services,” Dr. Salako said.
The five commissioned capital projects in the FMC Abeokuta include: 68-room Consultant Office Complex, 180-bed Ward Extension, Modern Laundry Facility, Works and Maintenance Department and New Administrative BlockAhyh.