The traditional ruler of Igbaja in Kwara says the first project to bring Federal Government’s presence to the town is facilitated by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Oba Ahmed Babalola, the Elese of Igbaja Land, stated this on Saturday at the inauguration of a 40-bed Maternity Hospital in the town.
The king, who spoke through the President of Igbaja Progressive Union, Pastor Oluwatoyin Alabi, said the event was historical and appreciated the minister for his selfless service.
“We owe a huge gratitude to the minister who incidentally is a proud son of Igbaja and on many occasions has attested to the fact that Igbaja is his second home.
“This project will go a long way to combat infant mortality in our community and further enhance Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the Federal Government.
“The citing of the hospital will also bring reliefs not only to Igbaja, but the entire Ireseland of Adanla, in, Offa-Iresse and other adjourning communities,” he said.
The traditional ruler appreciated the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and its overseer, Mrs Orelope Adefulire for executing the project.
He commended Adefulire for her tireless roles in realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the length and breadth of Nigeria
Babalola appealed for provision of additional infrastructure that would aid the smooth running of the hospital, including quarters for medical personnel to ensure their proximity to the hospital.
Others are solar panels and inverter as alternate power source, a back-up generator, borehole for water supply, qualified and experienced personnel to manage the affairs of the hospital.
In her remarks, Adefulire corroborated the king on the selfless virtue of the minister and for representing his people well.
She recalled how the minister approached her office to solicit projects for his home town, Oro also in Kwara as well as Igbaja which he regarded as his second home.
“I have known him a long time ago to be a man of impeccable character, integrity.
“Kabiyesi, you have a reliable son who is representing you well and your people should continue to pray for him,” he said.
Adefulie assured that the hospital would be fully completed and equipped with desired and requested facilities in two months.
The minister thanked President Muhammadu Buhari’ and Adefulire for approving and executing a 80-Bed Mother and Child Hospital in Oro and that of Igbaja.
He said the projects, like many others of the Buhari’s administration would benefit the most vulnerable people in the society.
He said the project would replicate the ECWA Dispensing Centre that he used to know in Igbaja 50 years back while growing up and schooling in the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Kwara Governor, AbdulRazaq AbdulRaheem was represented by his Special Assistant on SDG, Dr Jamila Ibrahim .
