- Upgrades Psychiatric Facility In Akure
The Ondo State Government has approved the construction of new hospital buildings with a combined capacity of 500 beds across key towns, alongside the upgrade of a psychiatric facility and the appointment of new traditional rulers.
The decisions were reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and announced on Tuesday during a post-meeting briefing by commissioners.
Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the projects form part of a broad plan to expand healthcare infrastructure and improve access to services statewide.
According to him, the government approved the construction of 100-bed hospital facilities in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, as well as additional 100-bed specialist hospitals, including one in Igbokoda. Smaller 50-bed hospitals were also approved for Irele and Igbokoda.
Ajaka explained that the projects would deliver a total of 500 new hospital beds, significantly boosting healthcare capacity in the state.
He added that two general hospitals would adopt a “one-stop shop” model, integrating laboratory, X-ray, consultation and pharmacy services within a single building to enhance efficiency and patient experience.
The council also approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrade of the existing facility in Akure, citing increasing cases of mental health challenges and drug abuse. Ajaka noted that the current facility is overstretched, with patients often facing long waiting periods for admission.
He further disclosed that the council approved the expansion of the state contributory health commission building and the procurement of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic.
Plans are also underway to install advanced diagnostic tools, including CT scan, MRI and mammography machines, at the University of Medical Sciences.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, confirmed that the hospital construction and psychiatric facility upgrade were among key infrastructure approvals granted at the meeting.
On traditional matters, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the council approved several chieftaincy appointments and recognitions across different communities.
These include the recognition of the Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira in Akoko South-East Local Government Area and the appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the new Olojoda of Oda in Akure South.
Other approvals covered new traditional rulers in Ilaje, Akoko North-East and Idanre local government areas, as well as warrant chiefs for pending installations.
Providing an overview, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, described the council’s resolutions as far-reaching, covering critical sectors such as health, infrastructure and local governance.
He added that the meeting was the first Executive Council session of the year, held after the state’s 50th anniversary and the first anniversary of the current administration as an elected government. Security issues were also discussed, including a recent visit by the governor to a community affected by a security breach.
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