The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to completing the Agadagba-Obon General Hospital in the Arogbo Ijaw axis of Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Poroye also revealed that the commission is engaging MedShare International, a United States-based humanitarian organisation, to support the hospital with modern medical equipment as part of efforts to improve healthcare services in the oil-producing communities of the state.
MedShare International focuses on improving healthcare in poor and underserved communities across the world through the donation of medical supplies and support for global health programmes. Its interventions cover areas such as primary healthcare support, maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, disaster relief and emergency medical assistance.
The OSOPADEC chairman gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the ongoing hospital project, explaining that the current leadership of the commission has adopted a deliberate policy of completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them to initiate new ones.
According to him, several communities within the commission’s mandate areas are still burdened with abandoned projects initiated by previous administrations due to lack of continuity.
“When we assumed office, one of our priorities was to ensure the completion of ongoing projects instead of starting new ones,” Poroye said. “In Mahin Town, for instance, there are about four abandoned school buildings within the same compound. The community does not even require more than two, but because successive leaders preferred starting new projects rather than completing existing ones, we now have several uncompleted structures.”
He noted that the commission is now prioritising project completion and improved service delivery across the oil-producing communities.
Poroye further disclosed that the commission has completed seven jetties across its mandate areas within a short period through the engagement of committed contractors.
“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.
The chairman described the Agadagba-Obon General Hospital as a critical healthcare facility that will serve residents of the Arogbo Ibe Ijaw axis and other neighbouring communities.
He explained that the hospital project is particularly important because of the geographical nature of the riverine communities where transportation is largely by water.
“This hospital is a major priority for the governor because it will serve thousands of people in the Arogbo Ibe Ijaw axis and surrounding communities. Access to this area is mainly through waterways, which is why we are also working on clearing water routes to improve access to the facility,” he added.
Poroye also stated that OSOPADEC is open to partnerships with intervention agencies and international organisations willing to support the hospital through the donation of medical equipment and other healthcare resources.
Speaking during the visit, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, Festus Adewale Omomowo, described the inspection as a significant step toward ensuring the completion and effective utilisation of the hospital project.
He noted that the commission remains committed to achieving its development objectives in line with the vision of the Ondo State Governor to improve the welfare of the people.
“The governor is very passionate about this project and wants to ensure that the hospital becomes fully operational for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Omomowo, however, stressed that government alone cannot shoulder all developmental responsibilities, highlighting the need for collaboration with development partners and organisations willing to support healthcare initiatives.
He expressed appreciation to the organisation that has shown interest in donating medical equipment to the hospital, describing the gesture as a valuable contribution to humanity and the development of the host community.
The permanent secretary also emphasised the importance of the hospital in addressing maternal health challenges in the riverine areas.
“In many of these communities, pregnancy should not become a death sentence. Unfortunately, without adequate medical facilities, many lives could be lost. This hospital will help address that challenge and secure the future of our children and communities,” he said.
He assured that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the facility is ready for the installation of equipment, including the construction of a perimeter fence and provision of adequate security.
“Within the next month, the remaining work on our side will be completed so that our partners can conveniently deliver the equipment without any concerns,” he added.
Omomowo also reiterated the commission’s determination to tackle the challenges of poor maintenance culture and lack of continuity in public project execution.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr Olusegun Ategbole, said the hospital project has the potential to attract support from international charitable organisations.
According to him, once such organisations see the progress and quality of the facility being developed, they would be willing to partner with the state government to further strengthen healthcare delivery in the area.
“The important thing now is to reach out to charity organisations. When they see the level of development and the kind of facility being put in place here, they will be willing to partner with us. This project has the potential to attract strong international support,” he said.
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