The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of 500-bed hospital facilities across the state, alongside key infrastructure and chieftaincy decisions at a meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The approvals were announced on Tuesday during a press briefing by members of the State Executive Council.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said the government had commenced a major expansion of healthcare infrastructure with the approval of several 100-bed and 50-bed hospital projects across strategic locations in the state.
According to him, the 100-bed hospitals will be sited in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa, while additional 100-bed facilities were approved for the State Specialist Hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.
He added that 50-bed hospitals were also approved for Irele and Igbokoda, alongside two general hospitals designed as “one-stop shop” facilities, where laboratory, X-ray, consultation, and pharmacy services will be housed within a single complex.
Ajaka said the total capacity of the new approvals stands at 500 beds, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to healthcare delivery across the state.
He explained that the one-stop shop model was introduced to enhance efficiency and ensure patients receive comprehensive care without moving between multiple units.
The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital, as well as the upgrade of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure.
He said the decision was informed by rising cases of mental health challenges and drug abuse, which have overstretched existing facilities.
Ajaka added that the upgraded and new facilities would provide improved treatment conditions, modern equipment, and enhanced privacy for patients.
He further revealed that the council approved a revised cost for the Contributory Health Commission building to allow for expansion, as well as the procurement and installation of modern medical equipment at the Government House Clinic.
According to him, advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI, and mammography machines, will also be installed at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, confirmed that additional hospital-related projects and infrastructure upgrades were approved, including works on the neuropsychiatric hospital in Akure and the Contributory Health Commission building.
On chieftaincy matters, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the council approved several recognitions and appointments of traditional rulers across the state.
He said approvals 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 Local Government Area.
Takuro added that the Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro in Akoko North-West Local Government Area was elevated to Grade C status, while four warrant chiefs were approved for the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira.
He further listed the appointment of Prince Jackson Akinson Okorisa as Olu of Jinrinwo in Ilaje Local Government Area; Prince Simeon Oyeleye Obaniyi as Olukakumo in Akoko North-East; and Prince Ayodele Akinnadeju as Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.
Also approved was the recognition of the Ugbagbe of Oroto as Sepeluwa of Oroto in Ilaje Local Government Area, with elevation to Grade C status, alongside warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olofin of Irele.
In his overview, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the council took far-reaching decisions across health, infrastructure, and traditional institutions.
He noted that the meeting was the first Executive Council session of the year, coming after the state’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the first year in office of the current elected administration.
Ajanaku added that security also featured in the deliberations, noting that the governor had earlier visited a community affected by a recent security breach to sympathise with residents.
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