Abigail Ayindero-Oyenibi Okene
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed the present administration’s resolve to advance the healthcare and education sectors in the state.
Governor Ododo stated this in a message to the official handover of site for the construction of Doctors’ quarters and medical students’ hostels at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital, Okene.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Abanika Taiye, maintained that the project is aimed at bringing about positive changes and improving the quality of life of the people as well as sustaining the legacy of the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
According to him, when completed, the quarters and hostels will provide a conducive living environment for medical personnel and a comfortable atmosphere for learning.
He charged the contractors to ensure quality, abide by job specifications and complete the project within time, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver excellent projects.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to stakeholders including the Commissioners for Health and Education, Vice Chancellor CUSTECH, Osara, Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, among others for their collaboration and support.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Health, Doctor Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, represented by the Director of Medical Services and Training in the Ministry, Dr. Barnabas Segun, expressed delight at the initiative, saying it will boost government efforts in ensuring the smooth take-off of the medical school.
Dr. Abdulazeez thanked the government, members of the immediate community and stakeholders for their support, noting that the project is a significant step towards advancing healthcare and education in Kogi State.
Also speaking, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Muhammed Tijjani Anaje, whose message was delivered by the Ohi of Okene, Alhaji Mamman Isah, expressed delight at witnessing the event and thanked the state government for converting the medical facility to a Teaching Hospital.
The Traditional Ruler stated that the project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of the people, assuring of his unalloyed support to the success of the project.
On his part, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health, Usman Ochidi, also commended the state government for handing over the site to the contractors, stressing the importance of collaboration between the Executive, Legislative, and traditional leaders.
Vice Chancellor of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH), Osara, Prof. Abdulrahaman Salawu, described the handing over of the site as an epoch making event, extolling the present administration for sustaining the project.
Prof. Abdulrahaman pointed out that the establishment of a College of Medicine and a Teaching Hospital was a great opportunity for indigenes of Kogi State desiring to study Medicine.
Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Solomon Avidime, reiterated the importance of a strong Teaching Hospital in supporting the training of medical students, stating that the construction of hostels and quarters were part of requirement for accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
In his address, the Chief Medical Director of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital, Okene, Dr. Stephen Babatunde Shaibu, paid glowing tributes to former Governor Yahaya Bello for having the foresight and praised Governor Ododo for sustaining the legacy and building on it.
Dr. Shaibu, noted that students of Kogi state origin used to travel far to acquire medical training, describing the Medical School and Teaching Hospital as a privilege for the young ones.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor for the official handover of the site for the construction of hostels and quarters which is within the hospital premises as well as approving the employment of more Doctors and Consultants.
The CMD added that the project is for all and should be given the support it deserves, expressing optimism that in the next few years the state will have many medical specialties which will invariably reduce cases of referral to other health facilities especially because of the state-of-the-art facilities available in the hospital.
