OSOPADEC Seeks International Support to Equip Agadagba-Obon Hospital as Chairman Vows Project Completion
The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to complete the Agadagba-Obon General Hospital in the Arogbo Ijaw axis of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, while also engaging MedShare International, a United States-based humanitarian organisation, to support the facility with modern medical equipment.
Poroye made this known during an inspection visit to the ongoing hospital project, where he emphasised that the current leadership of the Commission has adopted a policy of completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them to start new ones.
MedShare International works to improve healthcare in underserved communities worldwide through the donation of medical supplies and the support of global health programmes, particularly in the areas of primary healthcare, maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, disaster relief, and emergency medical assistance.
Speaking during the visit, Poroye said the Commission was determined to address the challenge of abandoned projects across its mandate areas.
According to him, several communities in the oil-producing region are still struggling with projects initiated by previous administrations but left uncompleted.
“When we came on board, one of our major concerns was how to complete ongoing projects rather than starting new ones. In Mahin Town, for instance, there are about four abandoned school buildings within the same compound. Ordinarily, the community does not need more than two structures there, but because every leader wanted to start a new project rather than complete the previous one, we now have several uncompleted buildings,” he said.
The OSOPADEC Chairman noted that the Commission is prioritising the completion of projects and the delivery of essential services to oil-producing communities.
He disclosed that the Commission had completed seven jetties across its mandate areas within a short period through the engagement of dedicated contractors.
“We have completed several jetties within a short time. Unlike before when it took one or two years to complete a single jetty, our contractors now mobilise immediately and complete projects within a few weeks,” he stated.
Poroye described the Agadagba-Obon General Hospital as a critical healthcare facility expected to serve thousands of residents within the Arogbo Ibe Ijaw axis and neighbouring riverine communities.
He added that the project is particularly important because most communities in the area are accessible mainly by water.
“This hospital is a major priority for the Governor because it will serve thousands of people within the Arogbo Ibe Ijaw axis and its environs. Accessibility here is largely by water, and that is why we are also working on clearing water routes and improving access to the facility,” he said.
The Chairman further noted that the Commission is open to partnerships with intervention agencies and international organisations willing to support the hospital through the donation of medical equipment and other healthcare resources.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, Mr Festus Adewale Omomowo, described the inspection visit as a significant step toward ensuring the completion and effective utilisation of the hospital project.
“This is the first project I am visiting, and I must say that the Chairman is deeply passionate about the development of the mandate areas,” he said.
Omomowo added that the Commission remains committed to achieving its corporate objectives in line with the development vision of the Ondo State Governor.
“At the end of the day, we share a corporate goal which aligns with the Governor’s mission to improve the lives of the people. The Governor is very passionate about this project and wants to ensure that the hospital becomes fully operational,” he noted.
He, however, stressed the need for collaboration with development partners, noting that government alone cannot meet all developmental needs.
“We are grateful to the organisation that has shown readiness to donate medical equipment to this hospital. Their gesture will not go unnoticed. It is a contribution to humanity and the future of this community,” he added.
Omomowo also highlighted the importance of the hospital in addressing maternal health challenges in the riverine communities.
“In many of these areas, pregnancy should not be a death sentence. Without proper medical facilities, many lives could be lost. This hospital will help address that challenge and safeguard the future of our children and communities,” he said.
He assured that necessary measures were being put in place to ensure the facility is ready for the installation of equipment, including the construction of perimeter fencing and adequate security.
“Within the next one month, the remaining work from our side will be completed so that our partners can comfortably deliver the equipment without any concerns,” he said.
Also speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr Olusegun Ategbole, noted that the project has the potential to attract support from international charitable organisations.
According to him, once such organisations observe the level of progress and quality of the facility, they would be more willing to partner with the state government to further improve healthcare delivery in the area.
“The important thing now is to reach out to charity organisations. When they see what is happening here and the kind of facility being put in place, they will be willing to partner with us. This project has the potential to attract strong international support,” he said.
