…As FG Donates Multi Million Naira Equipment
The ancient town of Iyah-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State came alive amidst singing and dancing over the weekend as sons and daughters as well as well wishers gathered for the celebration of the 54th Iyah-Gbede Day.
The epoch making event which featured cultural performances was an opportunity to commission a State-of-the-art health equipment donated by the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund, the climax of the ceremony.
The National President of Iyah-Gbede Development Association (IDA), Dr. Emmanuel Jeminiwa in his remarks said the medical facilities donated by the Comrade Tosin Adeyanju leadership of National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) were too much for a Primary Health Care hospital, hence the need for it to be upgraded to a Cottage Hospital.
According to him, there is currently an upsurge in the population of the Community, occasioned by the establishment of a gigantic Cement plant, Mangal Cement in Iluagba.
He pointed out that to carter for the health needs of the already increasing population, the PHC needs to be upgraded without further delays, stressing the need for the deployment of more Medical officers to the Health Facility.
Dr. Jeminiwa appealed to Governor Ododo to approve the upgrade of the Centre to the status of a Cottage Hospital to serve the health needs of the people better.
“Our health infrastructure has outlived its age, hence the advocation for an upgrade to a Cottage Hospital in order to meet the needs of the already over bloated population, different ailments and new health challenges for close proximity to health care needs of our people in this community.
The IDA President states that the public primary and secondary schools in the Community are currently in a dilapidated condition.
In his words, “The Gbede Baptist Commercial Secondary School located in our Community is without sufficient teachers and it’s building structures are mostly in a very bad shape. This has affected academic progression of our children.”
He however commended the NLTF for donating Medical equipment to the Community, describing the gesture as a relief and a dream come true.
On his part, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), itemized the facilities to include; Anesthetic Machine, Diagnostic equipment, 3D ultrasound machine, hospital beds, fire extinguisher among others.
Represented by Mallam Rabiu Adamu, Director Administration of NLTF, Comrade Adeyanju said the equipment will strengthen the health care service provided by the hospital, saying a monitoring team will visit the Centre to ensure its proper usage.
Also speaking, the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, His Majesty, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni regretted the current lack of development in the community, stressing the need for unity of purpose towards achieving set objectives.
