By Saheed Ibrahim

Ondo state government has reiterated its unflinchy support for religious institutions, to continue to impact positively on the good people of the state.
The state government, through the state Ministry of Health, donated modern health equipment to St Louis Catholic Hospital, Owo at the 70th anniversary Thanksgiving and Fundraising ceremony of the hospital yesterday.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said the state recognised the immense contributions of the religious institution and would continue to partner with them to ensure provision of social amenities and welfare for the people.
The Governor, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Titiloye, congratulated the Catholic Church for the 70th anniversary of the hospital, saying the state would continue to partner with the church in providing adequate and quality healthcare to residents of the state.
Making the donation, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Mrs Folukemi Aladenola said Arakunrin Akeredolu-led administration would continue to do everything possible to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
Beds, pillows, bed side lockers, disposable gloves, examination tables, bed tables, mosquito nets, Personal Protective Equipment and other health facilities were donated to the hospital by the state government.
Mrs Aladenola, who was represented by the Director, Nursing Services, Mrs Alice Ogundele, said the state Governor prioritise the health sector and “anywhere he has the opportunity, he wants to develop all the hospitals in the state, including private and public to touch every member of the state.
Earlier in his Homily, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade expressed gratitude to the state government for the gesture.
While noting that the church had been the closest institution to the people, stressed the need for individuals, groups, including government to wake up and acknowledge the vital roles missionaries and churches played in ensuring the development of the society.
The Bishop noted that the hospital as well as other institutions that belong to churches should not be seen as competitors but rather as partners in progress.
According to him, St Louis Hospital had treated many diseases and ailments for the past 70 years as the first hospital in Ondo State and would continue to do more.
The Chairman of the occasion, Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi appreciated the state government for the donation.
The National and World President of Aquinas College, Akure Old Students Association(ACAOSA), noted that the church looked forward to the Governor’s fulfilment of his promise to return missionary institutions to the founders, to aid quality delivery of services.