The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the construction of new hospital buildings across key parts of the state, alongside major decisions on healthcare expansion and traditional leadership appointments.
The resolutions were reached at the council’s first meeting for 2026, presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and later disclosed during a press briefing by top government officials.
Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the government had approved multiple hospital projects aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery. These include 100-bed hospitals in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, as well as additional 100-bed facilities at the State Specialist Hospital and another specialist centre in Igbokoda.
He added that 50-bed hospitals would also be constructed in Irele and Igbokoda, alongside two “one-stop shop” general hospitals designed to house laboratory, X-ray, consultation and pharmacy services within a single complex.
According to Ajaka, the combined capacity of the new projects will reach 500 beds, significantly improving access to quality healthcare across the state. He noted that the integrated hospital model would reduce delays and enhance patient experience.
The council also approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrade of the existing facility in Akure to address rising cases of mental health issues and drug abuse. Ajaka explained that the current psychiatric centre is overstretched, with long waiting periods for admission, stressing that the new developments would provide modern facilities and better care conditions.
In addition, the council reviewed the cost of the contributory health commission building to allow for expansion and approved the procurement of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic. Plans are also underway to install advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scan, MRI and mammography machines at the University of Medical Sciences.
Speaking on infrastructure, Commissioner Abiola Olawoye confirmed approvals for the hospital projects and the psychiatric facility upgrade, as well as adjustments to the health commission building.
On traditional matters, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, announced several recognitions and appointments. These include the recognition of the Onifira Oke of Oke-Ifira in Akoko South-East and the appointment of Prince Olugbenga Adewole Aluko as the new Olojoda of Oda in Akure South.
Other approvals include the elevation of Owa-Adimula of Oke-Oro to Grade C status, the appointment of warrant chiefs for the installation of a new Olufira of Ifira, and the selection of new traditional rulers across Ilaje, Akoko North-East and Idanre local government areas.
Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, described the decisions as far-reaching, covering critical sectors such as health, infrastructure and local governance. He noted that the meeting marked the first Executive Council session of the year, following the state’s 50th anniversary and the first anniversary of the current administration as an elected government.
He also revealed that security issues were discussed, adding that the governor had earlier visited a community affected by a recent security incident to commiserate with residents.