By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State House of Assembly is being urged to reconsider the nomination of Prof. Akin Abayomi for the completion and equipment of an 80-bed hospital in the region. The call comes after Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, former Member of the House of Representatives, handed over the incomplete building to Prof. Abayomi without essential equipment and perimeter fencing.
The lawmakers have appealed to the Lagos state government to take charge of furnishing the facility and managing it effectively. The hospital, if properly equipped, would stand as a complement to Gbagada General Hospital and Ikeja General Hospital, aiming to bolster the region’s healthcare services. This plea arises in light of a series of abandoned projects in Kosofe, some of which have remained neglected for as long as 12 years.
Contrary to the widely held belief that governance is a continuum, the region has seen a string of incomplete projects, including the Ketu Multi-Purpose Laybye, the Oworonshoki Fire Station, and Taiwo Street, among others. The Lagos State Assembly’s call to equip the 80-bed health facility underscores the need for continuity and the efficient use of resources.
Highlighting the exceptional performance of the Honourable Commissioner of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and other innovative improvements in the health system, the proponents of this call emphasize that the rejection of Prof. Abayomi’s confirmation could potentially hinder the progress achieved so far. The commissioner had shown dedication to upgrading the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) primary healthcare facility to a general hospital, which would serve as a vital medical asset in the area.
In response to these developments, Prof. Abayomi stated, “This 80-bed ultra-modern primary health care facility could potentially become the largest of its kind in the state. The facility’s scale and capacity justify its transformation into a general hospital.”
With the All Progressives Congress ruling party at various government levels, the pressure is on to ensure that the healthcare facility is fully equipped to meet the standards set by Gbajabiamilla Hospital in Surulere, as well as other primary healthcare and modern hospital projects implemented by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs Nigeria (OSSAP-SDGs) across Lagos.
Recent events add another layer of complexity to this situation, as the Lagos State House of Assembly recently confirmed 22 out of the 39 cabinet nominees sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for screening. However, 17 nominees, including Prof. Akin Abayomi, faced rejection by the Assembly.