OSOPADEC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Complete Agadagba-Obon General Hospital, Engages MedShare International for Medical Equipment Support
OSOPADEC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Complete Agadagba-Obon General Hospital, Engages MedShare International for Medical Equipment Support
Oriyomi Oluseyi
The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the completion of the Agadagba-Obon General Hospital project in the Arogbo Ijaw axis of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, while also engaging MedShare International, a United States-based nonprofit humanitarian organisation, to support the hospital with modern medical equipment as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the oil-producing communities of Ondo State.
MedShare International works to improve healthcare in poor and underserved communities around the world by donating medical supplies and supporting global health programmes. Its interventions focus on key areas including primary healthcare support, maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, disaster relief, and emergency medical assistance.
Poroye gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the ongoing hospital project, noting that the present leadership of the Commission has adopted a deliberate policy of completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them to initiate new ones.
According to him, many communities within the Commission’s mandate areas are still grappling with abandoned projects initiated by previous administrations.
“When we came on board, one of our major concerns was how to complete ongoing projects rather than starting new ones. In Mahin Town, for instance, there are about four abandoned school buildings within the same compound. Ordinarily, the community does not even need more than two structures there, but because every leader wanted to start a new project rather than complete the previous one, we now have several uncompleted buildings. There was no continuity,” he explained.
The Chairman noted that the Commission is now prioritising project completion and efficient service delivery across the oil-rich region.
He disclosed that the Commission has completed seven jetties across its mandate areas within a short period through the engagement of committed contractors.
“We have completed several jetties within a short time. Unlike before when it took one or two years to complete a single jetty, our contractors now mobilise immediately and complete the projects within a few weeks,” he said.
Speaking further, the OSOPADEC helmsman described the Agadagba-Obon General Hospital as a critical healthcare facility expected to serve residents of the Arogbo Ibe Ijaw axis and other neighbouring communities.
He explained that the project is particularly important due to the geographical nature of the area, where access is largely by water.
“This hospital is a major priority for the Governor because it will serve thousands of people within the Arogbo Ibe Ijaw axis and its environs. Accessibility here is mainly by water, and that is why we are also working on clearing water routes and improving access to the facility,” he said.
Poroye further stated that the Commission remains open to strategic partnerships with intervention agencies and international organisations willing to support the hospital project through the donation of modern medical equipment and other healthcare resources.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, Mr Festus Adewale Omomowo, described the inspection visit as a significant step towards ensuring the completion and effective utilisation of the hospital.
“It is a great pleasure for me to be here today. This is the first project I am visiting, and I must say that the Chairman is deeply passionate about the development of the mandate areas,” he said.
Omomowo noted that the Commission remains committed to achieving its corporate objectives in alignment with the development vision of the Ondo State Governor.
“At the end of the day, we all share a corporate goal which aligns with the mission and vision of the Governor to improve the lives of the people. The Governor is very passionate about this project and wants to ensure that the hospital becomes fully operational,” he said.
He, however, stressed that government alone cannot shoulder all developmental responsibilities, hence the need for collaboration with development partners and organisations willing to support healthcare initiatives.
“We are very grateful to the organisation that has shown readiness to donate medical equipment to this hospital. Their gesture will not go unnoticed. It is a contribution to humanity and to the future of this community,” he added.
Omomowo further highlighted the importance of the hospital in addressing maternal health challenges in the riverine communities.
“In many of these areas, pregnancy should not be a death sentence. Unfortunately, without proper medical facilities, many lives could be lost. This hospital will help address that challenge and safeguard the future of our children and communities,” he said.
He assured visiting partners that necessary measures are being put in place to ensure that the facility is ready for the installation of equipment, including the construction of perimeter fencing and the provision of adequate security.
“Within the next one month, the remaining work from our side will be completed so that our partners can comfortably deliver the equipment without any concerns,” he assured.
The Permanent Secretary also reiterated the Commission’s determination to address the challenges of poor maintenance culture and lack of continuity in public project execution.
“We are determined to make a difference during this tenure. One of the major challenges in this country is lack of continuity and poor maintenance culture. We will work to address those issues and ensure that the projects executed by this Commission stand the test of time,” he concluded.
Also speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr Olusegun Ategbole, noted that the project has the potential to attract support from international charitable organisations.
According to him, once such organisations observe the progress and the quality of the facility being developed, they would be willing to partner with the state government to further improve healthcare delivery in the area.
“The important thing now is to reach out to charity organisations. When they see what is happening here and the kind of facility that is being put in place, they will be willing to partner with us. This project has the potential to attract very strong support,” he stated.
