By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has commissioned five major infrastructure projects at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The projects, executed under President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, were designed to enhance service delivery, improve population health outcomes, and working conditions.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and pledged continued state government support for health innovation.
According to him: “The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, and other medical institutions across the state played a crucial role in delivering efficient and effective medical care”.
“We extend this assurance to other sectors as well, recognizing that collaborative partnerships among stakeholders are essential for inclusive and sustainable development.”
He called on all health institutions within Ogun State, regardless of ownership, to strengthen partnerships among themselves and with the state government.
“What matters to the people is not who delivers the care, but that the care is delivered effectively,” Governor Abiodun noted, quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “Health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for.”
In a significant gesture, Governor Abiodun announced the donation of the Ogun State Model College building at Onijogbon-Jongon in Abeokuta, to serve as the take-off infrastructure for the newly approved Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.
“Following the request of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and in appreciation of the Federal Government’s approval of the university, we have decided to donate yet another existing facility,” the governor declared. “This marks the second time we are making such a contribution for the benefit of federal health education.”
He expressed gratitude for the naming of the newly commissioned Works and Maintenance Department building after him, saying, “I feel deeply honored as this is the first public building to bear my name.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised the projects as a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
“As part of President Tinubu’s second anniversary, we are commissioning strategic health projects nationwide that touch on clinical care, administration, and support services,” Dr. Salako said.
The five commissioned capital projects in the FMC, Abeokuta include a 68-room Consultant Office Complex; A 180-bed Ward Extension; A Modern Laundry Facility; A Works and Maintenance Department; and A New Administrative Block
Dr. Salako emphasized that the infrastructure upgrades will address long-standing challenges such as bed space shortages and staff welfare deficits.
He also revealed that in two years, the Federal Government has established 12 new tertiary health institutions and recruited over 15,000 health workers in 61 hospitals.
“The goal is clear, to reverse medical tourism, retain top talent, and deliver excellent care at home,” he noted, while commending FMC management Abeokuta for initiating staff transportation schemes and other welfare programs.
He lauded Prof. Musa-Olomu, the outgoing Chief Medical Director (CMD), for his transformative leadership and, reaffirmed the federal government’s plan to revitalize primary healthcare centres through a nationwide upgrade scheme by providing at least two functional level two PHC per ward by 2027; supported by reforms in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
Speaking, Prof. Musa-Olomu, the CMD of the FMC, Abeokuta reflected on the transformational journey of the facility under his stewardship since July 2017.
He stated that the site was once a football pitch. “Today, it houses an international conference centre and other facilities that rival top hospitals,” he said.
Prof. Olomu listed major achievements, including the President Muhammadu Buhari International Conference Centre, 20-bed ICU, telemedicine infrastructure, and several administrative and clinical buildings, marking this as the fourth commissioning under his leadership.
He announced that the newly inaugurated buildings have been named after key figures: Governor Dapo Abiodun–Works and Maintenance Department; Former Governor Olusegun Osoba – Consultant Office Complex; and Dr. Ade Abolurin – Laundry Facility
Dr. Dayo Israel, Chairman Board of Hospital Management FMC Abeokuta, commended both the Federal and State Governments for their commitment to quality healthcare.
The Chairman revealed that the hospital was planning new projects, including an Accident and Emergency Unit, General Outpatient Department and, MegaLab – positioning FMC, Abeokuta to serve workers from industrial giants like Nestlé and Dangote in Ogun State.
“With these projects, FMC Abeokuta is well on its way to becoming a centre of excellence,” he said.
