₦airaland Forum

*ABANDONED AND FORGOTTEN: THE PLIGHT OF ITORI GENERAL HOSPITAL*

*© The Deep Thinkers*

It is a truism that "Health is wealth," and a responsible and responsive government prioritizes the health of its citizens. In contrast, the present APC-led administration in Ogun State has demonstrated a lackadaisical approach, turning a deaf ear and blind eye to the persistent health challenges faced by the citizenry. Recently, it took the intervention of the media and public outcry to prompt this administration to revitalize an uncompleted hospital project in the state capital, abeokuta, initiated by the previous government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

This government has consistently responded to calls for accountability with excuses, often employing political acolytes who distort facts and downplay obvious truths. In this article, I will share my recent experience in Itori and urge the government to rescue a growing population that lacks access to basic healthcare facilities.

During a recent visit to Itori, I attended a wedding that was marred by a horrific accident en route. The scene was chaotic, with onlookers fearing the worst for those involved. As we rushed to assist the victims, I asked for directions to the nearest general hospital. The responses I received were alarming. Locals, including a resident who wished to remain anonymous, expressed feelings of abandonment by the current Ogun State administration, citing the non-functional General Hospital in Itori as a prime example. Alhaji Majakodunmi, another resident, criticized the administration's focus on superficial projects and social media publicity, rather than addressing the pressing needs of the community.

These concerns highlight the growing distrust between the government and its citizens. It is imperative for the Ogun State administration to prioritize the welfare of its people, particularly in terms of healthcare, and take concrete steps to restore their trust.

The General Hospital Itori, situated in Ewekoro, Ogun State, was established by former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, with the facilitation of the Commissioner for Health, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo. The hospital was designed to provide quality medical care to the people of Itori and surrounding communities, reducing the need for lengthy journeys to Ifo and Abeokuta for healthcare. Unfortunately, the hospital has deteriorated significantly, becoming overrun with rodents and ultimately being shut down without alternative healthcare provisions for the local population.

The abandonment of the hospital has had devastating consequences for the residents, particularly the most vulnerable populations: children and the elderly.

The once-thriving hospital now lies in ruins, a testament to the neglect and abandonment by the authorities. The hospital's current state is pitiful, with weeds sprouting through cracks in the walls, overgrown lawns, and medical equipment carted away. The consequences have put the health of residents at risk, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

The government must take immediate action to revitalize the hospital and provide quality healthcare to the residents of Ewekoro. The people deserve access to proper medical care, and it is the government's responsibility to ensure their well-being.

This is not good at all.

The government should act fast.

Our government don't care about lives of their citizens.

Some people will still come and defend this, then later when they are old and frail they will wondering why "life is not good".

These South West governors just dey abandon medical facilities because na abroad them dey go die and they know they can use 5k to buy votes

See something, say something.
Health is wealth and it's our fundamental rights to access quality health care services.

Ogun State is one of the most notorious State to relocate to. Despite the fact that it's very close to Lagos, I personally have vowed never to even buy a Land or even built a house there. The level of infrastructural decay on the state is too worrisome. From Bad roads, to now this! A whole General hospital gone to the dogs! What a State!

GrammarNazi1:
This is not good at all.

The government should act fast.

why should the government act?

will the acting enable them to travel abroad and spend billions?

Talking about the worst governor in the whole Nigeria. Only to speak English like he colonized the Britons. No project commissioned in six years

you dey hide snap the picture ni? at the least give us nice coverage.

I blame former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun for the abandoned state of that General hospital. Gbenga Daniel administration constructed the hospital from the scratch and makes it operational.

You see, Amosun did a whole lot of things with vengeance, to even imagine that area fall under his constituency.

This is difficult to comprehend. A hospital that was commissioned and became operational was abandoned in an area that has Obas, legislators and loyal APC members.

One thing Lagos State is doing well in is the building and running of medical facilities across the length and breadth of state. Yes, there is room for improvement but LASG is trying.

Yeah, it is fine as that is what Nigerians prefer. If a governor decides to focus on major priorities such as healthcare, education while cutting unnecessary expenses for later (considering most states are in debt), then when the finances is stable then doing infrastructure and other capital expenses from profit, same Nigerians will claim he did nothing.
Nigerians want to see new road, bridges, new governors office, Secretariat, airports and lots of suv as signs a government is working, so they are given that along with officials lining their pockets off those contracts.

I wonder why this should be on the front page. Is it because the state is governed by APC? The policy of the forum is that for a thread to be on the front page it must have at least 25 posts. The posts on this thread right now is less than 10 but it has been pushed to the front page. This has bias written all over!

Not much different from the General Hospital in Ifo and Ota

Since this is not Lagos then it doesn't matter, Lagos is the only state we should all care about.

Emma09:
Ogun State is one of the most notorious State to relocate to. Despite the fact that it's very close to Lagos, I personally have vowed never to even buy a Land or even built a house there. The level of infrastructural decay on the state is too worrisome. From Bad roads, to now this! A whole General hospital gone to the dogs! What a State!

But in fairness, as per roads I don't think they are different from other stares, I will rather say the are above the average.
My perspective is from a logistics entrepreneurs point if view.

Ibikunle Amosun's bad governance keep surfacing by the day. But then, the current governor could have revitalised the facility and write his name in gold. No, he won't cos he is Mr failure too.

This just shows we are inhumane to ourselves!

Can't they have adequate planning to curb all these?

Ojugbami ti fun yin o!

The state of health in Nigeria is appalling. Go supposed hospitals, many don't have common hand gloves. We are killing ourselves, but we prefer politicians to do the undertaking by stealing our resources to give us palliatives to enjoy. I see many of them at the airports and abroad, Let me leave it at that.

I have lived in itori for past 8 years , since my nysc years, that general hospital is not it.. I use to shake my head anytime I pass through there..
Even during nysc, I don’t go there for medical needs, I rather go to the health center in the ewekoro local government or the one at egbado along ewekoro route..

I wish I have enough funds, I would have bought paint and at least see how the place can be repainted l,voluntarily..

princeade86:
Our government don't care about lives of their citizens.

Do citizens care about their lives


Forty forty forty forty forty forty forty forty forty forty forty

The Nigerian health sector has really suffered and it’s a pity Nigerians don’t even care.
It’s funny these kind of hospitals are the ones to cater for the health of over 95 % Nigerians

You will see a governor, instead of fixing this will rush to start a fresh one all in the name of leaving a legacy project behind.

Maxymilliano:
Not much different from the General Hospital in Ifo and Ota

ifo hospital has been upgraded to a state hospital and is well being catered for at least.. since it shares land with their local government.. their operations in ifo hospital is being computerized and upgraded.. they now have specialized doctors..
Even ota hospital too is well maintained and painted with new buildings..
This itori hospital is an eye sore and looks like a dilapidated cemetery..

U can't give us only one photo and expect us to believe u,
I see nothing in that photo

Emma09:
Ogun State is one of the most notorious State to relocate to. Despite the fact that it's very close to Lagos, I personally have vowed never to even buy a Land or even built a house there. The level of infrastructural decay on the state is too worrisome. From Bad roads, to now this! A whole General hospital gone to the dogs! What a State!

in the whole southern Nigeria, only Lagos, akwa ibom and maybe ebonyi have better road network than ogun state.

I just left owode three days back and I am currently in cross river.
If you are not from Lagos, akwa ibom just know that ogun certainly have better roads than your state.

the numerous Federal roads in ogun that fg has abandoned is the problem in ogun.

Maxymilliano:
Not much different from the General Hospital in Ifo and Ota

General Hospital, Ota is this worse? Lie small small oga.
Ota General Hospital, if not well maintained satisfactorily, is fully functional and periodically upgraded.

Hmmm. Why was it abandoned?
Abandoned why was it?
Was it why abandoned?

Emma09:
Ogun State is one of the most notorious State to relocate to. Despite the fact that it's very close to Lagos, I personally have vowed never to even buy a Land or even built a house there. The level of infrastructural decay on the state is too worrisome. From Bad roads, to now this! A whole General hospital gone to the dogs! What a State!

While it's valid to feel frustrated by the infrastructural challenges in parts of Ogun State, it's important to view the state from a more holistic and balanced perspective. Like many Nigerian states, Ogun is a mix of both challenges and potential.

Yes, some roads and public facilities like hospitals may be in disrepair, but that doesn't reflect the entire picture. Ogun State has recorded considerable growth in key sectors. It is home to some of Nigeria’s top educational institutions like Covenant University and Babcock University, and has one of the fastest-growing industrial corridors in the country. Major companies and factories are setting up operations there due to its proximity to Lagos, more affordable land, and less congestion.

Furthermore, not all areas of Ogun State are underdeveloped. Places like Abeokuta, Ota, and Sagamu are rapidly developing with growing residential estates, schools, and infrastructure improvements. Real estate investment in many parts of Ogun is actually on the rise because of the high return potential, especially for those priced out of Lagos.

Rather than writing off an entire state, it might be more productive to push for accountability and better governance. With proper leadership and public participation, improvements are not only possible—they're already happening in pockets across the state.