Ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and the Chief Medical Director, Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital(FUTA-TH), Prof Olusegun Ojo, have agreed on the need to speed up development of the permanent site of the hospital.
They took this position during a courtesy visit by the management team of the Teaching Hospital to the monarch in his palace.
While briefing the monarch on the level of development on the facility’s permanent site, the CMD explained that the Teaching Hospital has entered an active development phase at Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Ojo confirmed that construction activities linked to the hospital’s long-term vision had already commenced at the permanent site which is within Oba Falae’s domain.
The Chief Medical Director said: “The permanent site is already taking shape. Buildings for the College of Health Sciences are being constructed as we speak, while the hospital land is undergoing land and topographical surveys ahead of full development.”
He explained that the permanent site would serve as the medical campus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, which would house both the College of Health Sciences and the Teaching Hospital.
This the CMD said would significantly boost healthcare delivery, training, research, and the local economy.
According to Ojo, “Following the surveys, design and land-use plans will commence, and projects will be sited accordingly.
“In effect, development has already started.”
The CMD disclosed further that development at the permanent site of the Teaching Hospital would run simultaneously with the upgrading of the hospital’s temporary location at the former General Hospital, Akure.
He noted that the available funds released through annual budget cycles would determine the progress on the locations.
The CMD assured that “Whatever we get at each budget cycle will be used to upgrade the former General Hospital in Akure and also develop new structures at the permanent site.
“Both projects will proceed simultaneously.”
Ojo, therefore, assured Oba Falae that the hospital is committed to being a good neighbour, delivering quality healthcare to the people of the host community.
“We will give service to them and maintain a cordial relationship with the people of Ilu Abo,” the CMD said.
Oba Falae, in his remarks, described the visit if the hospital management team as historic.
He appreciated the management team for the visit, expressing confidence in the capability of the Prof. Olusegun Ojo-led team to develop the permanent site to an enviable standard and relocating its operations to the permanent site at Ilu Abo in not distant time.
Oba Falae said: “This is a very pleasant and rare day in the life of this community. Before too long, they will all be operating from here.”
The monarch stated that the community is known for peaceful coexistence, assuring them of the community’s commitment to security of life and property.
He said: “Ilu Abo means a community of protection. We will not allow any sporadic incursion by bandits to change the image of this place as a peaceful place to live and work.”
The monarch disclosed that many among the residents of the town work in Akure, the state capital, due to stable power supply and serene environment.
He said the community is working hand in hand with government and security agencies to sustain the peaceful situation in the town.
Oba Falae, however, urged the hospital management to expedite action on the permanent site, saying “they (contractors) should redouble their efforts to ensure that the development of the permanent site continues steadily.”
