The Ekiti State government through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly renovated Folajogun Female Medical Ward, at the Imesi Primary Health Centre, thereby declaring war on maternal and child mortality as well as morbidity rates at the grassroots.
The upgrading and commissioning, were part of the programmes lined up to add panache and grandeur to the fifth coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Festus Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi II, the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, in Ayekire Local Government Area of the State.
The building, a fully upgraded block within the health facility, was generously funded by Mrs.
Tayo Ajayi, a proud daughter of Imesi based in Australia, together with her siblings, and named in honour of their late mother, Mama Folajogun Olaibiyemi, a respectable community leader.
Speaking at the event, Oba Olatunji expressed deep appreciation to the family’s extraordinary act of philanthropy, especially during a period of high economic crunch and price fluctuations in building material costs.
The monarch also praised the builder, INTERMOTEK Company, and his Olori, who supervised procurement and logistics, for their dedication and trustworthiness.
Oba Olatunji acknowledged the strategic roles played by Chief Adegite Elejigbo, Chairman of
the Health Committee, and High Chief Nathba Dahunsi, the Osigun of Imesi, whose leadership
in the Imesi Development Association contributed to the completion of a new Delivery Ward
under the coordination of EKSCIDA, a government agency.
Onimesi urged the Commissioner to support the upgraded facility
with essential equipment such as beds and medical supplies, and to address the critical shortage
of health personnel in the facility.
He also appealed for the elevation of the facility to General Hospital status, given the ongoing improvements and community-driven development efforts.
The royal father encouraged more sons and daughters of Imesi to emulate this remarkable
gesture, affirming that the Onimesi-in-Council is open to naming facilities after contributors
as a honour and and exhibition of community’s appreciation.
He also advised the people of Imesi to prioritize modern medical care over unregulated traditional healing practices and home births, which have been linked to higher mortality rates.
Oba Olatunji commended Mrs. Ojo, head of the health Centre, for her tireless service in the face
of ongoing staff shortages.
While commissioning the project, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, urged other communities to emulate the exemplary community service displayed by Imesi Ekiti, saying partnering the state government will help in shoring up health facilities in the state.
The commissioner said Governor Oyebanji welcomed any action from individuals, communities and corporate bodies that will elevate public private partnership to transform Ekiti into an epicentre of development.
The commissioning event marks a significant milestone in Imesi’s commitment to improved
healthcare and community-driven development.