By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on residents to utilise government hospitals in their communities to meet their healthcare needs and justify the substantial investments in renovating and equipping state-owned medical facilities.

The Governor made the appeal while receiving a delegation of leaders from Ifaki Ekiti, led by former Governor, Chief Segun Oni.

According to him, his administration is currently refurbishing nine General Hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment and skilled personnel to ensure greater access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

Responding to a request for the upgrade of Ifaki General Hospital to a specialist hospital, Oyebanji stated that such an upgrade, or that of any other general hospital, would depend on the level of patronage from residents.

The delegation, which included the Olufaki of Ifaki Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore; President of Ifaki Progressive Union, Alhaji Olanrewaju Bakare and other prominent community leaders, visited to express appreciation for the various developmental projects and initiatives undertaken in their community under Oyebanji’s administration.

Oyebanji stressed that any community seeking an upgrade of its healthcare facility must first take ownership by encouraging residents to utilise it, adding that the ongoing hospital renovations aim to enhance the delivery of efficient and effective healthcare services.

He assured the people of Ifaki that his government would soon embark on major interventions, including the provision of electricity, potable water, road rehabilitation, and erosion control in the area.

“I want to start by appreciating former Governor Segun Oni for being a strong pillar of support and an invaluable adviser. I commend him for rising above partisanship to become a statesman.

“On the issue of electricity, we are making serious efforts to complete the 132/133 substation in Ilupeju and Ijesa Isu, which will provide a lasting solution to power supply challenges in that axis.

“As for the General Hospital, let us first complete the ongoing renovations and observe how well the people utilise it. Upgrades will be based on usage, and there must be statistical evidence to justify them,” Oyebanji said.

Earlier, Engr. Segun Oni lauded the peaceful co-existence among various groups in the state and the unity among political leaders.

He commended Governor Oyebanji, for fostering mutual respect among Ekiti leaders and serving as a unifying figure irrespective of political affiliations.

The former Governor also acknowledged the ongoing work on the Ado-Ifaki Road and urged Oyebanji to consider the rehabilitation of the Ifaki-Esure road.

Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe; Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebanji and Director-General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotosho.