The Kogi State Government has handed over construction sites for doctors’ quarters and student hostels at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital in Okene. The ceremony was conducted by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo represented by the Commissioner for Housing and urban development,Hon. Abanika Taiye.
The Governor reiterated that the project is a testament to his administration commitment to strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure.
Governor Ododo highlighted that the project builds upon the legacies of the predecessor the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello which birthed the Reference Hospital Okene now transformed into a teaching hospital. ,”The construction project comprises four architectural structures to be executed by different contractors”. The Governor charged the contractors to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and adherence to timelines. Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including the Commissioners for Health and Education, the Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, and the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, for their collaboration in making the project a reality. “The project is expected to elevate the standard of medical training and healthcare delivery in the state. The government has emphasized the importance of collective effort in achieving remarkable success.
Speaking at the occasion, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, expressed delight in the initiative to construct student hostels and doctors’ quarters for Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital. He noted that the structures, when completed, will enhance government efforts in ensuring the smooth take-off of the medical school and expand medical services. Dr. Abdulazeez highlighted the benefits of the facilities, including accreditation of the teaching hospital for medical student clinical training.
Dr. Abdulazeez appreciated the support of the government, community, and stakeholders, acknowledging the new resources received for the project. He thanked all present for their support and noted that the project is a significant step towards advancing healthcare and education in Kogi State.
Dr. Abdulazeez was represented by Dr. Banabas Segun, Director of Medical Services and Training, Ministry of Health.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, the Executive Chairman of Okene Local Government Area, and royal fathers. The Executive Chairman of Okene Local Government , Hon. Nuhu Enesi, expressed gratitude to the state government for the project, pledging to safeguard and protect for the benefit of the community. The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Usman Ochidi, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the handover ceremony, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the legislative, executive, and traditional leaders. Hon. Suleiman Sariki, representing Okene constituency, congratulated the state government on the handover ceremony, recalling the assembly’s role in passing the law establishing the institution and converting the reference hospital to a teaching hospital. The Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Dr. Ofern Shaibu, described the handing over of the site as another epic occasion for the university, praising the current governor for sustaining the project and ensuring the medical school’s establishment. Dr. Shaibu noted that the university has become highly sought after, with 70% of admitted students being indigenes of Kogi State. He thanked everyone present for their support and described the occasion as historic. Prof. Solomon Avidemi, Provost of the College of Medicine, reflected on the progress made in Kogi State’s medical education, highlighting the importance of a strong teaching hospital in supporting the training of medical students. The Ohi of Okene, representing the Ohinoyi of Ebirra land, expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for the handing over ceremony to take place, thanking the state government for establishing the Confluence University of Science and Technology and the College of Medicine. The Ohi noted that the university has become a center of excellence, providing access to quality education and medical training for students. He highlighted the university’s achievements, including the establishment of seven programs in the College of Medicine. The Ohi commended the government’s commitment to the project, noting that over 300 students are currently enrolled in the programs. He expressed optimism about the future of the university and the teaching hospital. The Ohi praised the collaborative efforts between the hospital and the university, emphasizing the importance of good governance and continuity. He expressed his commitment to supporting the project and working towards the betterment of the state. “The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of the people, with the government emphasizing that “health is wealth.” The ceremony marked a significant milestone
Dorothy Onoja
PRO
Ministry of Health
