From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that Ekiti citizens have started to savour the positive gains of continuity of governance under his leadership, stating that the state would have developed faster across all economic facets if this trend had continued since 1999.
Oyebanji spoke on Thursday while flagging off the construction of an 80-bed multipurpose medical building at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti (EKSUTH), as part of activities marking his administration’s second anniversary.
Oyebanji, who stated that the contract would be completed within a year, noted that he decided to devote significant resources to developing the health sector, understanding the importance of a healthy population to nation-building.
He explained that the continuity of government from the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi to his own has positioned his administration to seamlessly deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“We have an economic roadmap from 2021 to 2030 to serve as a guide for whoever leads Ekiti State. Whoever you bring in as a governor will perform, unless that person is not ready to work. We have been able to undertake all these projects effortlessly because of the continuity of government and our participation in a future-thinking government. What you are witnessing are the positive gains of continuity in governance.
“All the projects I have commissioned are for Ekiti and have been financed through Ekiti’s funds. Only a foolish government would abandon the projects of its predecessors. I am here to serve you, not myself. If we had continued on this path since 1999, we would have advanced beyond our current level,” the governor said.
Describing the hospital project as a masterpiece that will transform the tertiary health institution, Oyebanji posited that it will help secure full accreditation for some courses offered at the teaching hospital.
“This project is significant because it will assist in securing accreditation for more courses. You cannot underestimate the importance of a healthy population to national growth, as health is wealth. There can be no development where there is a high number of sick people.
“EKSUTH has a special place in my heart. This is the only tertiary health institution we have, where most people will seek safety during illness. We will continue to do our best to enhance the facilities here for quality health delivery,” Oyebanji stated.
Oyebanji added that his administration is currently renovating nine out of 22 secondary health facilities in the state, disclosing that they will be equipped with the requisite machines and personnel when completed.
The governor urged women to patronise the Oncology Centre at EKSUTH, stating that the expensive mammogram machine installed by the government might be ineffective if not properly utilised for the early detection of breast cancer.
Underscoring the significance of the structure when completed, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, maintained that it will further project the government’s image as being genuinely concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens.
Attesting to Oyebanji’s achievements in providing quality health services, Filani disclosed that the recent National Demographic Health Survey clearly revealed that Ekiti has performed exceptionally well over the last four years in terms of health indices.
Additionally, EKSUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Kayode Olabanji, stressed that the medical facility will ensure quality healthcare delivery to the populace and will add value for accreditation purposes, where the quality of structures plays a crucial role.
Prof. Olabanji expressed his appreciation for the governor’s keen interest in the growth of the medical facility, noting the increase in monthly subventions that began in January 2024, alongside approval for the training of resident doctors and the enhancement of equipment in the tertiary institution.
“The project is going to be a legacy initiative. The facility will create more space for our staff and patients, provide confidential and private treatments for our people, and improve the quality of our services. It is timely and thoughtful.”
Speaking highly of Oyebanji’s commitment to the growth of the health sector, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, praised the governor for the full transition of the School of Nursing into a fully-fledged college, the installation of the mammogram machine, the payment of medical residency training funds, the provision of hostels in the Nursing College, and the payment of medical allowances to staff, among other achievements.