From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
The Kwara State government signed a deal on Thursday to turn Omu Aran General Hospital into a teaching hospital. This will serve medical students at Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) in Oko, Irepodun Local Government.
The agreement aims to train more skilled health workers, like doctors and specialists. It’s a big step in the state’s push to team up with private groups for better healthcare.
Last year, the government made a similar deal. It let Al-Hikmah University use the upgraded Sobi Specialist Hospital in Ilorin as a teaching hospital for its medical courses.
The signing brought together top officials, traditional rulers, and health experts. Key attendees included Health Commissioner Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, Communications Commissioner Bola Olukoju, TAU Founder Dr. Thomas Adewumi, and TAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Oladipo. Royal fathers present were the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahya Alebiosu, and the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Raheem Oladele Olaoti.
Dr. El-Imam spoke at the event. She called it a major win for the state’s health system. She praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a leader who acts big. “To the glory of God, I have been privileged to work in America, United Kingdom, and Nigeria, and nowhere in the world have I seen a sector completely run by the government that succeeded. So, it takes a forward-thinking, visionary, and dynamic personality like Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to know the limit and seek the collaboration and support of the private sector. This is what is at play here today,” she said.
Oba Ismail, speaking for Kwara South, thanked the governor. “We have never had it this good in our region, and I speak for our people. The Governor has recently commissioned the Osi Campus of KWASU, and there are many road projects in different parts of our region. This is another big one, and it shows that he is a governor for the whole of Kwara State. We are grateful to him,” he said. He also hailed Dr. Adewumi as a problem-solver and regional pride.
The Olupo added, “This project for which we are here today is a project for which I can say that the entire Kwara Southerners are very grateful to the governor because this is going to be the first of its kind in that region. And our gathering in large numbers is to show how happy we are about this development. We are very happy that this is done during our lifetime.”
Oba Olomu praised the governor’s steady leadership. “This gesture shows the government is bringing (improved) health care delivery system to the Kwara South, which also means bringing life to us,” he said.
Dr. Adewumi thanked the governor too. “The owners of Kwara South are all here today, as the presence of our monarchs shows. And they have all come to celebrate the governor for what he has done for Kwara South. It is a landmark achievement that transcends ordinary consideration,” he said. “Governor AbdulRazaq is a man who believes in fairness. He is making great impacts in the lives of the people.”