By Emeagi Emeka Williams
Against the background of the outstanding exploits of the Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola which have transformed the health sector of the state, a professional renewable energy promoter and national development stakeholder, Prince Adekola Timothy Okedele, has lauded Governor Oyetola for his passionate consideration for the health sector of the state of Osun, especially for re-in igorating the public health facilities in the state which have accorded citizens multiferous opportunities to access healthcare, both in the urban and rural centres.
Okedele who has been in the forefront of renewable energy promotion in Nigeria since the year 2010 and has partnered with Singaporean, UK, Russian, Indian and Chinese made this declaration over the weekend while entertaining questions from Timeswatch correspondent who quizzed him in his Lagos office, stressing that Governor Oyetola’s concern for the health of the people shows how concerned he is about their material prosperity which will be determined by good economic plans that his cabinet has also shown capacity about.
Speaking on the governmental efforts which turned around the Osun state health sector that hitherto swam in a deplorable shape, he pointed that nothing can be more laudable than a conscious effort of Oyetola’s administration that have outrightly resuscitated previously ailing over 258 PHCs across the state to serve even the poorest of the poor.
Okedele delightfully regarded the Governor as the best thing to have happened to Osun in recent times, emphasising that apart from revamping the health architecture of the state, the Governor had proceeded to stock the facilities with drugs and purchased equipment for their smooth running.
He said that Oyetola’s efforts which saved the health centres from ruin are just a microcosm of the macrocosm, particularly has upgraded the school of Nursing and Midwifery in Asubiaro area of Osogbo for the admission and accommodation of more nurses undergoing training in the interest of the masses; stating that the enhancement also affected the College of Health Technology, Ilesha where more programmes have been accredited for those willing to study Health Information Management and Dental Therapy Programme.
Declaring that a focus on the health of Osun is the best for a pandemic era, Okedele said that there is need for special consideration for all strategies and technologies that will save health professionals working in the various facilities across the state, especially those who manage covid-19 cases. He noted that it is worrisome that news had it recently that over 200 nurses in various hospitals in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory are down with covid-19.
Against this reality, Okedele appealed that the govt, in stocking equipment, should consider renewable/alternative power supported medical equipments/devices that will safeguard health workers who are daily exposed to the deadly virus. He emphasised that he will be ready to offer patriotic services to the state govt geared towards ensuring the supply of these equipments that will effectively tackle the spread of terminal diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS, DIMENTIA, and the covid-19.
Okedele stressed that super equipments abound that will not only manage victims, but also protect essentially, those health practitioners working day and night to save lives, disclosing that efforts in this direction will make Osun safer than other places and boost the Morales of the health workers to further dedicate themselves to work.
Boasting, Okedele affirmed that with govt support, his organisation can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state through ensuring a health sphere comparable to none, sharing that as an indigene of Osun state, it will be shameful for him not to use the outcome of his over a decade of research in the areas of renewable energy, agriculture, health and security to improve his own state.
Speaking, he said, “As a son of Osun , it is very crucial in the urgency of now to join force with this govt to augment growth and development.
“If I have made meaningful contributions, directly or indirectly to Federal and State govts, why should I not have the privilege to work strategically.
“Several media efforts/proposals written to MDAs are on ground to prove any inputs. I suggested a comprehensive energy audit of the nation towards power enhancement and various renewable energy development suggestion, even to the point of urging the FG and states to aim at establishing the ministry of renewable energy to boost energy to power the remotest of areas”.
Okedele however applauded Oyetola for the O-HUB project in the state, an international market initiative he termed a huge step in the right direction and a beautiful offshoot of the recently organised economic summit.
