The Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has commissioned and officially handed over a fully furnished ultra-modern healthcare centre to the management of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.
He described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at improving healthcare delivery for both students and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, March 26, Olatunji, who was accompanied by the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) and other top management staff of the council, said the scale and quality of projects being executed by the council surpass what is obtainable in many other states.
“You will discover that it is not comparable to what local governments do in other states. One thing people do not fully understand is the issue of autonomy.
“Autonomy is good, no doubt, but the projects we have executed within this local government in the short period since I assumed office, particularly with the support of governor Seyi Makinde, have far exceeded our allocation,” he said.
According to him, the development reflects strong support from the state government, noting that without such backing, many councils would struggle to meet basic obligations.
“If we are left to operate entirely on our own, we may not even be able to pay salaries while still meeting developmental needs,” he added.
The council boss explained that the healthcare facility was deliberately sited to serve a dual purpose, catering not only to the university community but also to residents of adjoining villages.
“When you look at the siting of this project, it is designed to serve not just students but also the surrounding villages. It goes beyond a single purpose,” he noted, while appealing for further support from the state government to expand healthcare infrastructure in the area.
Olatunji stressed that the facility, though handed over to the university, would be properly maintained due to its management structure.
“One of the challenges we face generally is poor maintenance culture, but with this arrangement, the facility is in good hands. It is not just something that was randomly sited; it has a clear purpose,” he said.
He further highlighted the spread of healthcare infrastructure across the council area, stating that virtually every ward in Oluyole has between two and five health centres, a development he described as uncommon in many parts of the country.
The chairman also called for continuity in governance, urging future administrations to build on the existing foundation while appealing to residents to support credible leadership that would sustain ongoing developmental strides.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adesola Ajayi, commended Olatunji for his commitment to the institution’s growth under the leadership of Seyi Makinde.
Ajayi specifically appreciated the chairman for constructing the access road leading to the facility, noting that the state government had earlier laid the foundation for the institution through the provision of perimeter fencing and other critical infrastructure.
He also acknowledged the local government’s support through scholarship initiatives, revealing that 12 beneficiaries from the pioneer set had been absorbed into the University of Ibadan after completing their training.
“On behalf of the management, students, ownership and government, we say a very sincere thank you. We assure you that this facility will be put to judicious use,” the Vice-Chancellor said, adding that the institution remains open to further collaborations.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Waheed Ajuwon, who represented the Commissioner, described Olatunji as a committed and result-driven leader.
He commended the university’s Chancellor for his proactive approach, noting his persistence in ensuring approvals and progress on key projects.
Ajuwon also praised the engineering team from the ministry for their professionalism and consistency, having supervised the project from inception to completion.
He urged the university management to prioritise maintenance culture to preserve the facility, stressing that government’s investment must be sustained for long-term impact.
The project contractor, Engr. Ajisafe Akinkunmi, lauded Olatunji’s visionary leadership, disclosing that the healthcare centre was designed with separate male and female wards to meet modern healthcare standards.
In her vote of thanks, the HLGA, Mrs. A. Oyewale, commended both Governor Makinde and Olatunji for their commitment to improving grassroots healthcare delivery.
The event was attended by the Leader of the Oluyole Legislative House, Hon. Taofeeq Azeez, alongside other councillors, as well as members of the Students’ Union Government.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Salam Waris expressed appreciation to the state and local government authorities for their continued support, assuring that the student community would remain supportive of ongoing efforts to advance the institution.
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