The government of Lagos State in partnership with FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, has built and unveiled a new Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ije-Ododo community, Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state.
The facility, which has been under construction since, was unveiled in the community by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking at the event, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Folashade Sherifat Jaji, said the opening of the health facility under the SSG’s One Community At A Time (OCAAT) initiative formed part of activities to herald the inauguration of his second term in office on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Maintaining that the attention being paid to the healthcare sector was deliberate to ensure a healthier populace, he said the state government under his watch would deploy more resources to the health sector for easier access to health services, especially in underserved communities.
He enjoined members of the community to take full advantage of the health benefits that will be provided in the facility and charged them to take ownership and protect the assets and the facility at all times.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha, commended First Bank of Nigeria Limited and the contractor for completing the project within the stipulated time frame, but also requested more assistance to make the facility functional by providing equipment and other necessary medical gadgets.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Firs tBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, who was represented by Mr. Seyi Oyefeso, expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the project, adding that it was gratifying to know that no fewer than 10,000 residents of Ije-Ododo and neighbouring communities will have access to primary healthcare services in the facility.
He said as a responsible corporate social organisation, the bank’s intervention in the primary healthcare sector aligned with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach anchored on citizenship, impact management, strategic education, as well as the health and welfare of the immediate and remote communities of Lagos State and other parts of the country.
Others at the event were the Baale of Ije-Ododo, Dr. Abu Jelili Ododo, among others.