Two Years After Commissioning, Osun Govt Yet to Open 80-Bed Hospital Donated by Buhari’s Aide
Two years after its commissioning, the 80-bed hospital donated to the people of Ipetumodu in Ifẹ North Local Government Area of Osun State remains unopened and unused, leaving residents frustrated over the delay in accessing the much-needed healthcare facility.
The hospital, equipped with modern medical equipment, was facilitated by Mr. Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to late President Muhammadu Buhari, and officially commissioned on May 23, 2023. It was subsequently handed over to the Osun State Government for management and operation.
However, nearly two years later, the facility has yet to begin operations, dashing the hopes of thousands of residents who had anticipated improved access to affordable healthcare services.
Investigations by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the prolonged inactivity has led to security and maintenance challenges, with reports of burglary incidents in which air conditioners and generating cables were stolen. The stolen equipment was later replaced through the intervention of the state’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akinyode Oyewusi.
Despite these efforts, the hospital remains closed, while the Ipetumodu community has reportedly taken it upon itself to fund the monthly security costs to protect the property from further vandalism.
Reacting to the situation, the Secretary of the Ipetumodu Development Forum, Mr. Kehinde Oyetunmbi, appealed to the Osun State Government to expedite the completion and activation of the project, stressing that the community had waited long enough.
“This hospital was envisioned to serve not only Ipetumodu but neighbouring communities as well. We are appealing to the state government to take urgent steps to make the facility functional so that the purpose of its establishment will not be defeated,” Oyetunmbi said in a statement obtained on Wednesday.
Residents have expressed disappointment that a facility of such magnitude, designed to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system, has been left idle despite the growing health needs in the area.
As of press time, the Osun State Ministry of Health had yet to comment on the reasons behind the delay or provide a timeline for when the hospital would officially commence operations.
