By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has restated his administration’s resolve to partner with private stakeholders to attract investments and cause a meaningful development across communities.
The Governor spoke in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, during the foundation-laying of the clinical building complex of the Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital (TAUTH), Oko-Irese.
The Governor, who was impressed that his government’s partnership with the institution is already yielding results, said the facility will promote medical education, improve human resources in health, and contribute significantly to increasing access to quality healthcare delivery.
He said the facility was more than just erecting bricks and mortar, but an enduring legacy for generations of Kwarans to come.
“Today marks another milestone as we witness the establishment of the first teaching hospital in Kwara South. This remarkable achievement, conceived and actualized through a strategic partnership with the Kwara State Government through the Kwara State Ministry of Health, will deeply promote medical education, improve human resources in health, and contribute significantly to increasing access to quality healthcare delivery for our people,” he said.
“Having a tertiary healthcare facility in Kwara South is a vital step towards the decentralization process that reduces the heavy burden on centrally located facilities that are oftentimes challenging to access.”
The Governor was represented by his deputy Elder Kayode Alabi at the ceremony that was equally attended by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Gubernatorial candidate Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi whose arrival turned the gathering to be carnival-like.
AbdulRazaq praised the founder of the University, Dr Johnson Bamidele Adewumi and the management and staff for being committed to excellence and worthy partners in state-building.
He urged the Omu-Aran community to embrace the project and continue to be peaceful, supportive and accommodating.
“As we lay this foundation today, let us remember that we are building more than just bricks and mortar, we are building a healthier, brighter, and more enduring legacy for generations of Kwarans to come,” he said.
The event was also graced by other officials of government, traditional rulers and academics, including the Olupo of Ajase-ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu and Olomu of Omu-Aran Oba Raheem Adeoti; Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam; former Vice Chancellor University of Ilorin and APC chieftain, Prof Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem; APC Senatorial candidate for Kwara South, Prince Lekan Adewoye; and Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; among other dignitaries.
Dr Adewumi, for his part, said the foundation-laying of the clinical building reflects a shared commitment between the Kwara State Government and Thomas Adewumi University to elevate the former General Hospital to full teaching hospital status.
He said the University, since taking over the site in April 2025, has spearheaded vital rehabilitation works, including the restoration of operating theatres, procurement and upgrade of medical equipment, reorganization of wards and administrative offices and the construction of a brand-new administrative building.
He commended AbdulRazaq for championing the innovative and progressive collaboration, and called him a visionary leader.
He also appreciated the traditional rulers for their prayers at all times and how they eagerly encouraged him whenever he sought their guidance.
Also speaking, Olupo of Ajase-ipo, Oba Alebiosu said Dr Adewumi has done the Igbomina people a great thing, saying they are proud of his contributions to the development of Igbominaland.
He said the institution comes with an array of benefits particularly for improved access to good medical service and job creation for their people.
“This is what we call monumental development of the region. We appreciate Dr Adewumi for this. Our appreciation also goes to the Governor who is mindful of the development of the state. We also thank His Excellency, the deputy Governor and Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi for gracing this occasion,” the royal father said.
