Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday commissioned the newly upgraded Itapaji Maternity Health Centre in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality through improved access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
The multi-million-naira health facility, delivered through a productive partnership between Ajoni LCDA and Latter-day Saint (LDS) Charities, is expected to significantly enhance maternal and child healthcare services in the rural communities of Ajoni.
Represented at the commissioning by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the governor said Ekiti State has maintained one of the lowest maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria, as well as one of the highest life expectancy indices in the country.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure and personnel to sustain those achievements.
Governor Oyebanji commended the Executive Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, for transforming the maternity centre into a modern healthcare facility capable of delivering quality medical services to residents in remote communities.
He noted that the delivery of a newborn baby shortly after the completion of the project underscored the importance and immediate impact of the upgraded facility.
The governor announced the immediate deployment of nurses and other medical personnel to the centre and also approved the construction of official staff quarters and a perimeter fence to strengthen security and improve service delivery.
To ensure affordability and wider access to healthcare, he directed the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKHIS) to integrate the facility into the state’s Ulerawa Health Insurance Scheme.
He appealed to community leaders to support the government by providing temporary accommodation for newly deployed health workers pending the completion of the proposed staff quarters.
«“This facility will greatly improve healthcare services for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Our goal is clear: no woman should die during childbirth in Ekiti State. We will continue to take quality healthcare to both urban and rural communities,” the governor said.»
In his address, Prince Michael Ogungbemi expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji and the Africa West Area Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their humanitarian partnership and support.
He said the project was made possible by the increased autonomy and developmental opportunities currently being enjoyed by local councils under the Oyebanji administration.
According to him, the facility underwent a comprehensive upgrade involving structural renovation, installation of modern medical equipment and deployment of a renewable energy system to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services.
He disclosed that the power infrastructure comprises 20 units of 550W high-efficiency solar panels, an 8kW Deye inverter and a 16kWh Deye battery storage system, providing reliable electricity for critical medical operations.
The LCDA chairman also highlighted other health interventions undertaken by his administration, including a three-year nutrition programme in partnership with the Bountiful Children Foundation (BCF), USA, which benefited more than 1,100 malnourished children across 10 communities.
He added that free medical outreaches had also been conducted in collaboration with Agbeyewa Farms and the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC).
The Olu of Itapaji, Oba AbdulAzeez Abdulakareem Adebanjo, commended Governor Oyebanji for his administration’s consistent support for the community and pledged that residents would take ownership of the facility and protect it from vandalism.
The monarch appealed for additional government support, including perimeter fencing, security personnel and resident nurses to ensure optimal utilisation of the centre.
In recognition of his contributions to community development, Oba Adebanjo conferred the traditional titles of Amuludun of Itapaji and Atayese of Itapaji on Prince Michael Ogungbemi.
As part of the event, the LCDA chairman also unveiled an economic empowerment programme benefiting 400 residents.
The beneficiaries included:
– 100 farmers who received high-grade agrochemicals;
– 100 farmers who received knapsack sprayers;
– 100 small business owners who received cash grants to expand their enterprises; and
– 100 vulnerable residents who received food palliatives.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several senior government officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Igotun; Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olasunkanmi Alabi; Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Akintunde Ogunsakin; General Manager, EKHIS, Dr. Charles Doherty, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders and local government officials.