The permanent site of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTA-TH) has entered an active development phase at Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, the Chief Medical Director, Professor Olusegun Ojo, has disclosed.
Professor Ojo made this known during a courtesy visit by the hospital’s management team to the palace of the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Dr Olu Falae, where he confirmed that construction activities linked to the hospital’s long-term vision had already commenced.
“The permanent site is already taking shape. Buildings for the College of Health Sciences are being constructed as we speak, while the hospital land is undergoing land and topographical surveys ahead of full development,” the CMD said.
According to him, the permanent site, located within the monarch’s domain, will serve as the medical campus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, housing both the College of Health Sciences and the Teaching Hospital, a development expected to significantly boost healthcare delivery, training, research, and the local economy.
“Following the surveys, design and land-use plans will commence, and projects will be sited accordingly. In effect, development has already started,” Ojo added.
The CMD further revealed that development at the permanent site will run parallel with the upgrading of the hospital’s temporary location at the former General Hospital, Akure, depending on funds released through annual budget cycles.
“Whatever we get at each budget cycle will be used to upgrade the former General Hospital in Akure and also develop new structures at the permanent site. Both projects will proceed simultaneously,” he explained.
The CMD assured the monarch of the hospital’s commitment to being a good neighbour and delivering quality healthcare to the host community.
“We will give service to them and maintain a cordial relationship with the people of Ilu Abo,” he said.
In a remark, Oba Falae described the visit as historic and reassuring, expressing confidence that the permanent relocation of hospital operations to Ilu Abo was only a matter of time.
“This is a very pleasant and rare day in the life of this community. Before too long, they will all be operating from here,” the monarch declared.
The traditional ruler reaffirmed the community’s commitment to security, stressing that Ilu Abo has remained peaceful over the years.
“Ilu Abo means a community of protection. We will not allow any sporadic incursion by bandits to change the image of this place as a peaceful place to live and work,” Oba Falae said.
He noted that many workers in Akure already reside in Ilu Abo due to its stable power supply and calm environment, assuring that both the community and government were taking steps to sustain safety.
The monarch urged the hospital management to sustain momentum on the permanent site.
“They should redouble their efforts to ensure that the development of the permanent site continues steadily,” Oba Falae charged.
