The Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured the people of the state of his administration’s focus and commitment to the continuous provision of affordable and comprehensive healthcare services.
Akeredolu spoke at the weekend in Ile-Oluji, at the dedication and commissioning of the Samuel & Dorcas Maternity, CAC Oke-Isegun.
The ultra- modern maternity centre was donated by Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Senior Pastor of the Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM), Lagos, and his wife, Pastor Mrs. Bukola Oladiyun.
The Governor was represented by Mr Wale Akinterinwa, the Commissioner for Finance.
The Governor, who said he felt honoured to be part of the event, noted that the selfless effort of Pastor Wole & Pastor Mrs. Bukola Oladiyun is a pointer to the fact that stakeholders in the Ondo State project are listening to his administration’s call for an all-inclusive participation in the development of the State.
Represented by Wale Akinterinwa, the State Commissioner for finance, Akeredolu said the project is also an appreciation of the State Government’s commitment to improving the health of the people.
He disclosed that he has been working hard to fulfil the promises he made at the inception of his administration:
“A little less than 6 years ago, when we took the rein of governance in Ondo State, we promised our people access to qualitative healthcare at all levels of care provision.
“This we have pursued with all sense of commitment.
“With the ongoing REDEEMED agenda, we have equally prioritized healthcare to consolidate on the gains we made in our first term and now accelerating towards the attainment of the goal of reaching everyone in Ondo State with qualitative health, irrespective of class, age, ethnicity and religion.”
While noting that an healthy population is a productive population, the Governor stated that his administration has taken bold steps across all the building block of the health system through the provision of functional health infrastructure, strengthening of institutions for training of highly skilled professionals/practitioners and support staff, provision of a conducive working environment and construction of world-class infrastructure for the promotion of qualitative healthcare services.
In his address, Oladiyun, said the dedication event was the fulfillment of a 53-year dream.
“I have always had a passion for interceding for and supporting pregnant women, even as a teenager.
“As one of the altar boys at age nine or thereabouts, I would sit under the tree in this church premises, interceding for any pregnant woman in Labour.
” God always heard the prayers by his mercies”, he stated.
Pastor Oladiyun thanked his wife, Pastor Mrs Bukola Oladiyun, for her consistent belief in him, and her support for the vision.
“Together, we pooled resources together to build this maternity, just like we have done in several other kingdom-driven, humanity-focused ventures”, he added.
Pastor Oladiyun disclosed that the maternity was built to honour the memory of his parents, Elder Samuel Oladiyun and Deaconess Dorcas Ejiola Oladiyun, who were foundation members of the CAC in Ile-Oluji.
“My parents laboured for this church. My father, who was the leader of the prayer band, dedicated me at age 7 on the altar of this CAC Church.
“I consider the rock solid payer and consecration foundation my parents gave me as the biggest legacy they bequeathed to me. May their souls continue to rest in peace, amen”.
Pastor Oladiyun disclosed that the salary of the staff at the maternity will be paid by him and his wife for the next 12 months.
He acknowledged the contributions of his siblings at home and abroad to the project, saying that “they have always been wonderful in preserving the legacies of our parents”.
The Samuel & Dorcas Oladiyun Maternity is the third major intervention by Pastor Wole & Pastor Mrs. Bukola Oladiyun aimed at improving access to quality and affordable healthcare for pregnant women and children.
“What we are doing today is in continuation of what we started in Lagos in 2014 with the establishment of the Soteria Maternity and Hospital, and same year with the construction of a Children’s Unit for the General Hospital, Ile-Oluji.
“My wife and I simply have a passion for mothers and children among other things”. he enthused, while confirming that the maternity is available for members of the CAC and indeed the entire Ile-Oluji community.
Through the Pastor Wole Oladiyun Foundation (PAWOF), Pastor Wole and Pastor Bukola Oladiyun have impacted the lives of several people, young and old, men and women, irrespective of religion and tribe. PAWOF has committed nearly N1billion to meeting the education, healthcare, and economic needs of its beneficiaries.
“PAWOF is our own little way of supporting people to fulfill their destinies”. he added.
While commenting on the role and relevance of the Church in Nigeria, Pastor Oladiyun said the Church must decidedly play active leadership roles in the major sectors of the economy.
“We must continue to encourage the church to be more visible and more active in the socio-economic and political development issues of the country.
“The church must progress quickly from being just religious centers to human development institutions focusing on the spiritual, physical, mental, and financial well-being of their members.
” The church must begin to show more care and compassion especially at a time like this”, he added.
In his remarks, HRM Oba (Dr) Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin, FIIN, FCIB, Jimoko II, the Jegun Olu-Ekun of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, commended Pastor Wole and Pastor Mrs Bukola Oladiyun for their consistent contributions to the development of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, Ondo State, and Nigeria. He lauded their selflessness and encouraged other eminent indigenes to emulate the noble and worthy causes they commit their time and resources to.
The President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria, Pastor S.O. Oladele, who was represented by Pastor Emmanuel Mapur who dedicated the Maternity, commended Pastor Wole Oladiyun and his wife for their support for the CAC movement in Nigeria.
