Residents Groan Over Dilapidated PHC Centre In Modakeke
- As Nigeria Customs Takes Over Renovation
Residents of Akarabata, old Nepa, Anifowose in Modakeke in Ife East Area Office of Osun State have sought the intervention of the state government on the dilapidated Primary Health Care Centre in the community.
In a two-minute video seen by OSUN DEFENDER, a woman was heard explaining the dire situation of the facility, saying it’s begging for the government’s urgent attention.
According to her, the community lacks the capacity to fix the PHC and return it to shape.
She stressed the significance of the PHC to the community, adding that the facility is not safe as rainy season approaches.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that over 600 residents of the community rely on the facility.
As seen in the video, the building has cracked walls, bad roofing sheets, broken floors, damaged doors and windows.
The medium learnt that the situation has been so for over seven years.
According to the facility manager, several reports and letters were sent to the state government, but all to no avail as the abandoned structure is now vulnerable to vandalism.
It was gathered that residents have to travel a distance for medical attention.
Commenting on the situation, the state Commissioner for Health, Mr Jola Akintola, said there is no iota of truth in it.
He stated this while responding to an enquiry made by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday.
Recall that Residents of Obamoro and Ilemowu communities have earlier called on the state government over the deplorable condition of the PHCs in the area.
They said the facilities are currently unfit for effective medical services as they are forced to seek treatment in an unsafe environment or travel long distances for alternative health facilities.
But both the state government and former governor Adegboyega Oyetola have continued to trade blame on the matter.
The state government accused Oyetola’s administration of mismanaging a whooping $20 million World Bank grant and claimed to have devoted the same to renovation of PHCs.
The government described it as a smokescreen and mere window dressing.
Responding, the Special Adviser to Oyetola, Bolaji Akinola, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of gross ineptitude and dereliction of duty for the collapse of Primary Health Care centres and public schools across the state.
Akinola described the current state of PHCs in the state as a damning indictment of Governor Adeleke’s administration, stressing that no serious government would still be blaming a predecessor more than three years after assuming office.
Commenting on the situation, the state Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, said the PHC is question is not a not a focal center, noting that the government is currently renovating the focal ones.
Akintola stressed that residents of the community have earlier approached his office and they asked if they prefer a PHC or general hospital. But they choose to go with a PHC.
He said this in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday.
“The PHC in Modakeke is not a focal center. The government is currently focusing on the focal centers. The community had earlier visited my office to lodge complaints. We asked them if they would maintain the PHC or we build general hospital in the community. Sadly, the choice of PHC.
“I sent my people to the place yesterday and they reported to me that the community has commenced the renovation of the facility.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs has reportedly taken over the renovation of the PHC, OSUN DEFENDER learnt.
In a letter dated February 18, 2025 and signed by Chief Moshood Oni, the Publicity Secretary of Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olu Toriola, notified the Osun State Primary Health Board of the development.
A copy of the letter obtained by OSUN DEFENDER reads: “I am directed by his HRM, Oba (Dr.) Olu Toriola to inform your authority that the above Health Centre has been chosen and approved for general renovation by the Nigeria Customs.
“This becomes necessary as a necessary chain of information required under your headship on contributions by various organisations to assist the board in any capacity.”
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
