The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has commissioned five major projects at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare and modernise infrastructure across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
At the commissioning ceremony, Dr Salako expressed his pleasure at participating in what he described as a “historic occasion”, not only as Minister but also as a proud indigene of Ogun State.
He commended the management and staff of FMC Abeokuta for what he termed “milestone achievements” that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Dr Salako highlighted that the health sector component of the Renewed Hope Agenda being implemented through the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is anchored on four core pillars, one of which aims to enhance population health outcomes through accessible and quality healthcare services.
“In pursuit of our commitment to delivering quality healthcare across all federal tertiary health institutions,” he said, “we have embarked on a range of capacity-building and modernisation projects in our hospitals.”
The Abeokuta projects, he noted, are among numerous initiatives being commissioned nationwide to mark the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration. He recalled having commissioned ten projects across three federal tertiary institutions during a recent working visit to Enugu, in addition to remotely inaugurating cancer treatment equipment in Ilorin, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.
“This deliberate showcasing of interventions will continue in the coming weeks,” he added, “as the Tinubu administration celebrates two years in office with tangible, people-centred achievements not with fanfare, but with substance.”
Dr Salako stated that the five newly completed projects cut across clinical care, support services, and administration, and have been named in honour of notable Nigerians, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Dr Ade Abolurin.
He also revealed that seven additional ongoing projects will be named after other distinguished individuals who have significantly contributed to the hospital’s development.
Among the newly commissioned infrastructure is a 68-office complex for consultants, addressing a longstanding concern raised by staff during the Minister’s earlier visit. Other facilities include a new modern laundry building, a Works and Maintenance Department building, and the addition of 180 beds to the hospital’s capacity.
While commending the infrastructural developments, Dr Salako cautioned that physical buildings alone do not constitute quality healthcare.
Also Read: NPHCDA Launches Strategy to Strengthen Primary Healthcare Delivery
“Government will not judge your performance by the number of buildings constructed, but by the actual impact on the health and wellbeing of Nigerians,” he said, urging the hospital management to prioritise patient experience and improved clinical outcomes.
He also acknowledged a new staff welfare initiative aimed at easing transportation difficulties, introduced by the outgoing Medical Director, Professor Musa Olomu.
Dr Salako lauded Prof Olomu for his eight years of service, praising his commitment, leadership, and the strides made under his stewardship. He wished him continued success in his future endeavours.
Speaking more broadly, the Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to revitalise primary healthcare. These include plans to establish at least two functional Level 2 Primary Health Centres in every ward by 2027.
He added that 12 new tertiary health institutions have been created over the past two years, while approximately 15,000 health workers have been employed across 61 tertiary hospitals nationwide.
Reaffirming the President’s vision to curb outbound medical tourism and establish Nigeria as a hub for high-quality healthcare, Dr Salako charged FMC Abeokuta with playing its role in achieving this goal and assured the hospital of continued federal support.
He concluded by appreciating the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, and elder statesmen in Ogun State, pledging to continue championing the growth and transformation of FMC Abeokuta, both in his official capacity and as a native of the state.
