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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Government has stepped up its drive to take the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots with the commissioning of a 50-bed Primary Healthcare Centre, a Children’s Recreational Centre and 36 new classrooms in Lagos.
The projects, delivered by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), were commissioned on Wednesday in communities across Alimosho Local Government Area.
While the healthcare and recreational centres are located in Egbeda, the two classroom blocks comprising 36 classrooms were built at Orisumibare Primary School, Orisumibare.
The interventions, according to a statement by the office, are aimed at bringing healthcare closer to residents, improving learning conditions and creating a safe environment for children’s development.
Speaking through the Secretary of Programme, Suzanne Sado, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the projects reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to human capital development, social inclusion and access to essential services under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said healthcare, education and recreation were closely linked in building healthier and more productive communities.
“A healthy child needs quality healthcare, safe opportunities to play and develop, and a conducive classroom in which to learn,” Orelope-Adefulire said.
“By bringing these interventions together, we are investing in the full development of the child and strengthening the foundations of a healthier, safer, better-educated and more inclusive society.”
The 50-bed healthcare centre is expected to serve Egbeda and neighbouring communities, particularly women, children, older persons and other vulnerable residents.
The facility is equipped with operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, consultation and scanning rooms, a delivery room, children’s and adult intensive care units and a laboratory.
It also has an ultrasound machine, vacuum extractor delivery set, fully equipped emergency section, ambulance and a fully furnished 12-room staff quarters.
Orelope-Adefulire said the facility would strengthen access to essential healthcare services and support maternal and child healthcare in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being.
“Beyond the beds and physical structure, this centre represents dignity, timely intervention and renewed hope,” she said.
But she warned that the real test of the intervention would be in its long-term management, urging relevant authorities and residents to ensure proper staffing, protection and maintenance.
“Sustainable infrastructure is not measured only by the day it is commissioned, but by the quality of service it continues to deliver over many years,” she stated.
At the Children’s Recreational Centre, the Presidential aide described safe spaces for play as essential to childhood development.
“Play is not a luxury; it is an essential part of childhood and a powerful means through which children develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally,” she said.
She urged parents, community leaders and local authorities to ensure that the facility remains accessible to all children, especially girls, children with disabilities and those from vulnerable households.
At Orisumibare Primary School, Orelope-Adefulire said the 36 classrooms would ease pressure on existing facilities and give pupils a more conducive environment to learn.
“The true value of these classrooms will not be found in their walls alone, but in the dreams nurtured within them, the knowledge shared by committed teachers, and the futures transformed through learning,” she said.
The Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Akinpelu Johnson, described the projects as major investments in the future of the communities.
“These classroom blocks will provide our pupils with a more conducive environment to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Indeed, every investment in the education of our children is an investment in the future of our community,” Johnson said.
He thanked President Tinubu and Orelope-Adefulire for the interventions and pledged the council’s support for their proper utilisation and maintenance.
Johnson also acknowledged the contributions of the Alaye of Orisumibare, His Royal Majesty Oba Akeeb Adebowale Rauf, who provided the land for the school, and the Elegbeda of Egbeda, His Royal Majesty Oba Hammed Omogoriola Orelope Laka, for supporting the development of their communities.
He said the projects underscored the gains of collaboration between the Federal Government, local authorities, traditional institutions and communities in delivering sustainable development.
