Ekiti Governor Lauds CDS’s Donation of Medical Laboratory to Specialist Hospital

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services across the state.

The governor spoke on Wednesday in Ikere Ekiti during the inauguration of a state-of-the-art medical laboratory donated to the State Specialist Hospital by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede. Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, Oyebanji emphasised the critical role of robust diagnostic services in delivering effective treatment.

The facility, named the Grace Oluyede Medical Laboratory in honour of the CDS’s mother, houses specialised units including Haematology, Chemical Pathology, Histopathology, and Medical Microbiology. These sections are equipped to provide a wide range of diagnostic services essential for patient care.

Commending Oluyede for the gesture, the governor noted that residents of Ikere and surrounding communities would no longer need to travel long distances for specialised laboratory investigations.

“With this building now in place at the Specialist Hospital, Ikere Ekiti, residents of this community and neighbouring towns will have improved access to essential diagnostic services. Patients will no longer need to travel long distances for many specialised laboratory investigations. This means quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment and ultimately better health outcomes,” he said.

Oyebanji described the donation as a meaningful investment in the health and dignity of Ekiti citizens, adding that development thrives when government and citizens collaborate.

“Healthcare remains one of the top priorities of this administration. Our goal has always been clear: to build a health system that is accessible, reliable and capable of meeting the needs of our people wherever they live in Ekiti State,” he stated.

The governor urged hospital management and staff to ensure proper maintenance of the facility and to handle patients with professionalism and compassion.

In his remarks, General Oluyede, represented by the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, described the laboratory as a legacy project aimed at giving back to the community. He disclosed that the project was supported by contributions from friends and well-wishers, adding that a 30kVA generator and an incinerator would soon be delivered to complete the laboratory setup.

Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Olasunkanmi Alabi, highlighted the importance of the new facility, describing the medical laboratory as the backbone of modern medical practice.

“The medical laboratory is the backbone of modern medical practice. Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation upon which effective treatment and patient management are built. With this new facility, our capacity to deliver prompt, reliable and high-quality diagnostic services will be greatly enhanced,” Alabi said.

He also praised Governor Oyebanji for consistent investments in the health sector, including the renovation and equipping of over 100 primary health centres, upgrades to secondary health facilities, infrastructural development at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, recruitment of health workers, and free medical services for over 500,000 residents under the Ulerawa Health Insurance Scheme.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Health Committee, Dr Abimbola Solanke; Chairman of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Austin Ibikunle; state Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun; wife of the Ogoga of Ikere, Mrs Funmilola Adu-Alagbado; philanthropist Mr Igbekele Ayodele; and the Chief Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere Ekiti, Dr Catherine Akinsipe.