The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has led a powerful delegation to the on-going public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health at the National Assembly.
The Monarch who was in company of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, Pro Chancellor of FUTA, Ambassador Godknows Igali amongst others made the appearance at the Senate to express their support for the Akure Teaching Hospital Bill 2021 (SB638) sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
Oba Aladetoyinbo who canvassed for a favorable consideration and timely passage of the bill said the establishment of the FUTA Teaching Hospital is long overdue.
He thanked the Senators for feeling the pulse of the Akure people and their earnest desire for a Teaching Hospital for FUTA.
He stated that Akure as at today is one of the fastest growing State Capital and it caters for almost 52 percent of the State population and this necessitates the need for a tertiary health care of a Teaching Hospital status being one of the State Capitals without a Teaching Hospital.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, Oba Aladetoyinbo expressed optimism that the Senate will pass the bill when it finally returns to the whole House.
“I am confident that you will surely fast-track the passage of this bill when it finally returns to the hallowed chamber.”
Chief Olu Falae informed the Senate Committee that Akure community is fully prepared to give maximum support for the immediate take-off of the Teaching Hospital.
He opined that Akure is ready to serve as a role model to other communities on how to be a good and responsive host.
“You can see that the site of the Hospital is strategic and it is just a few minutes drive from the Akure Airport, it is therefore going to serve the people of the country and not just Ondo State alone.”
The Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ambassador Godknows Igali and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adeola Fuwape in their separate submissions thanked the Deji and good people of Akure for procuring the certificate of occupancy for the project.
They informed the committee that they were fully prepared for the timely take-off of the Hospital.
The Vice Chancellor said that the first set of the Medical School had already been admitted and that they will be ready for clinical in about two years.
He therefore appealed to the Senate to expedite action on the bill considering its relevance and importance.
Others who contributed in support of the bill is the Chairman of the Akure – FUTATH Committee, Dr. Olufemi Oyinsan and the Dean of the school of Medicine, Professor Segun Ojo.
They both urged the committee to see the preparation of the host community and FUTA in ensuring a smooth take-off of the Hospital as the community in conjunction with FUTA had already mobilize to site with molding of brick blocks and constructions already going on.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe thanked Oba Aladetoyinbo and the elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae for leading a formidable delegation to the hearing.
He expressed satisfaction with the presentation of all stakeholders including that of the sponsor of the bill, Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
“With all we have heard and seen before and during this hearing, the committee is more than convinced that Akure is long overdue for a Teaching Hospital and that the committee will support it to become a reality.”
The National Universities Commission had last year given nod to FUTA to commence admission into full time mode of the Medicine and surgery, MBBS programme with effect from 2020/2021 academic session.