HRM Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III with members of the delegation
By Jimoh Ahmed
Owo Kingdom witnessed a historic milestone on Monday, January 20, 2025, as a seven-man delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, visited the town to inspect facilities at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, in preparation for its upgrade to a Teaching Hospital. The project, which will affiliate the FMC with the newly established Medical College of Achievers University, promises transformative impacts on healthcare delivery, education, and economic activities in the region.
The delegation, led by Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services, was warmly received at the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III. The visit marked a significant step toward actualizing the long-held dream of equipping Owo with a Teaching Hospital of national and international standards.
Speaking at the event, the Olowo described the initiative as a “new dawn for Owo.” He emphasized the far-reaching benefits of the Teaching Hospital, including improved healthcare services, job creation, and economic stimulation for the region.
“This referral hospital will not only serve the people of Owo but all Nigerians, given Owo’s strategic location between Lagos and Abuja. It will also create numerous job opportunities and catalyze economic growth beyond the kingdom,” Oba Ogunoye said.
The monarch also commended Dr. Bode Ayorinde, Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, for his visionary leadership and efforts to ensure a seamless partnership between the university and the FMC.
Federal Delegation Promises Excellence
In his remarks, Dr. Salaudeen praised the kingdom’s hospitality and reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to the project.
“Our mission here is not just an official task; it is about advocating for improved healthcare and well-being for the people of Owo and Nigeria at large. A Teaching Hospital here will not only train healthcare professionals to serve the nation and the world but also provide specialized care and serve as a hub for groundbreaking research,” Dr. Salaudeen stated.
Dr. Bode Ayorinde, who accompanied the delegation alongside Achievers University management, reflected on the university’s journey to becoming a beacon of education in the region.
“Our kingdom’s dream of having a functional university was realized through Achievers University. With this collaboration, we are set to extend our impact through a mutually beneficial relationship with the upcoming Teaching Hospital,” he said.
The upgrade of FMC Owo to a Teaching Hospital aligns with national and global trends in healthcare and education. The delegation assured thorough work on the project, fostering optimism among stakeholders in Owo.
As the kingdom awaits final approval and commencement of the Teaching Hospital, this landmark initiative underscores Owo’s rising prominence as a hub for excellence in healthcare, education, and economic development.
