— Upgrades psychiatric centre, appoints new traditional rulers

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Ondo State Government has approved the construction of hospital buildings with a combined capacity of 500 beds across the state, alongside key chieftaincy and infrastructure decisions, at an Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

This was announced after the state executive council meeting in Akure, the state capital.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said the government is embarking on a comprehensive expansion of healthcare infrastructure.

Ajaka said that the approved projects include 100-bed hospital buildings in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa, as well as additional 100-bed facilities for the State Specialist Hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.

Also approved are 50-bed hospital buildings in Irele and Igbokoda, and two general hospitals designed as “one-stop shop” facilities.

“Under the model, laboratory, X-ray, consultation, and pharmacy services will be housed in a single building to streamline service delivery.

Ajaka said the projects bring the total approved capacity to 500 beds and are expected to significantly improve healthcare access across the state.

The one-stop shop approach, he explained, will eliminate the need for patients to move between separate units for treatment.

Also approved was the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrading of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure.

Ajaka said the move responds to rising mental health challenges and drug abuse, which have overstretched current facilities.

He noted that patients often wait months for admission, and the new and upgraded hospitals will offer modern treatment conditions and improved privacy.

“Other health approvals include a revised cost for the contributory health commission building to allow expansion, and procurement of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic.

“Plans are underway to install advanced diagnostic equipment — including CT scan, MRI, and mammography machines — at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.

On infrastructure, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said that the council’s approval for the hospital buildings, the neuropsychiatric hospital upgrade in Akure, and the review of the contributory health building.

For traditional institutions, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the council approved several recognitions and appointments

“The recognition of the Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira Chieftaincy in Akoko South-East LGA, appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the new Olojoda of Oda in Akure South LGA.

” The ecognition of the Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro Chieftaincy in Akoko North-West LGA to Grade C status, appointment of four warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira.

Others include ” the appointment of Prince Jackson Akinson Okorisa as the new Olu of Jinrinwo in Ilaje LGA, appointment of Prince Simeon Oyeleye Obaniyi as the new Olukakumo in Akoko North-East LGA, appointment of Prince Ayodele Akinnadeju as the new Aladeokun of Alade Idanre, recognition of Ugbagbe of Oroto as Sepeluwa of Oroto in Ilaje LGA to Grade C status and appointment of warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olofin of Irele.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the council took far-reaching decisions across infrastructure, health, and local government.

Ajanaku noted it was 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.

He added that security featured in deliberations, with the governor having earlier visited a community affected by a recent security breach to commiserate with residents.