PHOTOS: Hon. Kehinde Akande Commissions Newly Constructed Akuro and Bode Primary Health Centres in Ibadan South West LG

It was a day of celebration for residents of Akuro and Bode communities as the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Honourable Kehinde Akande, today commissioned two newly constructed Primary Health Centres to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

The facilities, Akuro Primary Health Centre and Bode Primary Health Centre, were built from the ground up and equipped with modern medical infrastructure under Hon. Akande’s administration. Each centre is designed to provide maternal and child health services, immunization, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, treatment of common ailments, laboratory services, and health education programs.

The commissioning attracted dignitaries, political leaders, health officials, and a large turnout of residents. Present at the event were the Vice Chairman of the Council, Honourable Tajudeen Adigun, ATU; Executive Secretary of Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Olatunji; Councilors representing various wards; Chief of Staff to the Council Chairman , Alhaji Hasan Bello, Supervisory Councillors; Special Assistants to the Chairman; Community Development Associations CDAs; interfaith leaders; directors and management staff of the council; and residents from Akuro, Bode, and surrounding communities.

The atmosphere was festive as traditional drummers, women groups, and youth associations joined government officials to tour the new facilities before the official ribbon-cutting.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Kehinde Akande said the construction of Akuro and Bode PHCs aligns with his administration’s core belief that a healthy population is the bedrock of economic and social progress.

“Today we are not just commissioning buildings. We are opening doors of hope, healing, and opportunity for our mothers, children, fathers, and elders. When primary healthcare is close to the people, we save time, we save money, and we save lives,” he stated.

He disclosed that the local government collaborated with the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board to ensure both centres meet state standards. According to him, arrangements have been finalized to post qualified health workers to the facilities and maintain a steady supply of essential drugs and vaccines.

In his remarks, Dr. Olatunji, Executive Secretary of Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, who was repsented by Dr. Oluwole commended Hon. Akande for prioritizing primary healthcare. He noted that functional PHCs reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals while improving early detection and prevention of diseases.

“This is the kind of intervention we need at the local government level. When councils take ownership of primary healthcare, the impact is immediate. Akuro and Bode PHCs are models of what partnership between state and local government can achieve,” Dr. Olatunji said.

Community leaders and residents described the development as long overdue. Mrs. Adebayo, a trader at Akuro market, said women in the area previously traveled long distances for antenatal care and child delivery. “Now our pregnant women and children can get care right here. This will reduce complications and give us peace of mind,” she said.

Youth leaders in Bode community also praised the chairman, noting that the health centre will create jobs for health workers and volunteers while improving overall wellbeing in the area.

Hon. Akande assured that the commissioning of Akuro and Bode PHCs is part of a broader plan to upgrade healthcare infrastructure across all wards in Ibadan South West. He said his administration will continue to invest in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment projects that directly touch the lives of residents.

With the two new centres now operational, Ibadan South West LG says it is closer to its goal of ensuring no resident is more than a short walk away from quality primary healthcare.