AKIN FAGBEMI STEWARDS: My Two (2)Years as Oyo State Hospitals Management Board Chairman: A Record of Service and Results

I resumed office as Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board (OYHMB) on 17th, May, 2024, following my appointment by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Olu Seyi Makinde , FNSE Dsc GSSRS.

From day one, my focus was clear: strengthening our secondary healthcare system so that ordinary people in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun can access quality healthcare without traveling to Lagos, Abuja or anywhere in the World.

In the two years, I can say without hesitation that we have made measurable progress, and this period stands as one of the most rewarding phases of my public service career.

1. Strengthening Facilities and Equipment:

We prioritized upgrading secondary health facilities across the state. From rehabilitation of wards and theaters to procurement of essential medical equipment, the goal was to make our hospitals functional, safe, and fit for modern healthcare delivery. No community should be told “go elsewhere” because basic equipment is missing.

2. Improving Human Resource Capacity:

Healthcare is about people. We worked to improve staff motivation, discipline, and deployment to ensure that every hospital had the right mix of doctors, nurses, and support staff. Training and retraining programs were introduced to keep our workforce aligned with current medical standards.

3. Restoring Public Confidence:

A hospital that is clean, organized, and responsive earns trust. We introduced stricter monitoring and supervision mechanisms across all OYHMB facilities. The aim was simple: reduce negligence, cut waiting times, and ensure patients are treated with dignity.

4. Bridging the Gap Between State and Federal Policy:

My background in federal regulatory work with NAFDAC helped us align state hospital operations with national health standards and federal health programs. This alignment has made it easier to attract partnerships and interventions that directly benefit our hospitals.

Appreciations:

I express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, my principal, Distinguished Leader of note and command, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, Governor of Oyo State, for finding me worthy and giving me the opportunity to serve. Your vision for a people-centered Oyo State and your trust in my capacity created the platform for these achievements.

I also extend sincere gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Ajetumobi, all Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry, and especially the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Anifat Ibraheem, for her professionalism, guidance, and tireless support.

To all the Directors, Heads of Hospitals and Dental Clinics, Consultants, Hospital Secretaries, Medical Officers, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Apex Nurses and Midwives, and every cadre of staff across the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board – thank you. Your dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork on the frontlines made every policy and reform work on the ground.

I equally appreciate all union leaders and their executives for their understanding and cooperation throughout this journey. Your partnership kept the system stable and focused on patients. My thanks also go to all members of the health sector in Oyo State for their collective commitment to service delivery.

I acknowledge and thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin and Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, especially the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Saminu, popularly known as Wale Canada, for legislative support and oversight that strengthened our work.

Finally, I appreciate my dearest brother and friend, Otunba Adeseye Joseph Famojuro, for his consistent strategic support and encouragement at every stage. Your belief in this mission has been invaluable.

MY READINESS TO DO MORE:

These two years have shown what is possible when you combine administrative experience with a commitment to grassroots service. Healthcare is the foundation of human development. If we can get our hospitals right, we set the tone for education, productivity, and security.

I don’t see this as the end point. It’s proof of concept that consistent, people-centered management delivers results. That is the same standard I intend to bring to representation at the federal level for Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West.

Service is not about titles. It’s about what changes for the man on the street. I believe we have changed enough to say: this was a great achievement, and we can do more.

I am grateful!

Fagbemi Stephen Akintomide LL.B, Ph.D, ACIArb, FICMC, FNIFST

Chairman Oyo State Hospitals Management Board