The Foundation for the Care and Resettlement of the Mentally ill (CAREMI), has commissioned CAREMI House at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) complex, Ile-Ife, to provide care and treatment to the mentally ill.
Prof. Roger Makanjuola, the Founder of CAREMI Foundation, an NGO, commissioned the building located at Phase IV, adjacent to the Mental Health Unit of OAUTHC, on Saturday, in Ile-Ife.
Makanjuola explained that the inspiration behind the foundation was the observation that a substantial number of mental health patients could not afford the treatment, hence the need to set up an institution to support them.
Makanjuola, a former OAU Vice Chancellor, said that the foundation was set up to help rehabilitate patients who were having difficulty getting their lives back and to reintegrate them into the society.
The Patron and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of CAREMI, Chief John Odeyemi, appreciated the willingness of the Board and Management team of OAUTHC to approve and grant the use of land for the building.
Odeyemi, however, sought for intentional and deliberate commitment of the board and management team of OAUTHC to appreciate, utilize, maintain the facilities and specialized equipment in the best interest of all.
On his part, the acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), OAUTHC, Prof. Lateef Salawu, lauded the contribution of CAREMI foundation and promised to make optimal use and ensure proper maintenance of the Caremi House.
The commissioning was attended by some stakeholders, including, the VC, OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, former VC of OAU, and the Oyo Commissioner for Political Affairs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade.
Also, the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Osogbo, Mrs Ajuma Madojemu, who represented the Deputy Governor, Manager, Financial System Stability, CBN, Osogbo, Mrs Aisha Ahmad, and other dignitaries were also in attendance.
