On October 7, 2024, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat officially flagged off the construction of a 40-bed Trauma Hospital Centre at the Ikorodu General Hospital.
The project, facilitated by Ikorodu Federal Lawmaker, Rep. Babajimi Benson MHR aims to address the growing need for trauma care in Ikorodu and Lagos State as a whole.
The event took place at the hospital premises, marking a significant milestone in the division’s healthcare development.
During the event, Dr. Taiwo Hassan, the Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital, highlighted the increasing demands placed on the facility.
He revealed that the hospital, which previously accommodated less than 2,000 patients daily, now sees approximately 4,500 patients each day, amounting to 90,000 patients monthly.
He attributed the rising numbers to the hospital’s improved capacity since his leadership took over.
Dr. Hassan recalled his initial request for the trauma centre in 2021, addressing the urgent need for enhanced trauma care in Ikorodu.
He expressed his gratitude to Rep. Babajimi Benson for fulfilling his promise.
“The Trauma Centre is a 40-bed facility that will significantly reduce trauma cases, not only in Ikorodu but across Lagos State,” Dr. Hassan remarked.
He added that the centre is expected to be commissioned in 2025.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Alhaji Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye (former Deputy Governor of Lagos State), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi (the Ayangbure of Ikorodu), Oba Aremu Sotonwa (the Sekumade of Ipakodo), Oba Raji Olukayode David (the Eweye of Isiu), and Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali (the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo).
Prominent figures like Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, were also in attendance.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, in his address, noted that the Deputy Governor’s presence underscored the importance of the project.
“Normally, the Deputy Governor does commissioning, not flag-offs. His presence here is to emphasize the significance of this project and ensure that the contractors deliver on time,” Benson stated, adding that the project is slated for completion within nine months.
He further highlighted other healthcare projects he had facilitated, including an 80-bed Mother Care Centre in Imota LCDA and another health centre at Agbele Ota-Ona.
Benson also stated that in flagging off the Trauma Centre project, he drew inspiration from Adewunmi Ogunsanya’s renal centre currently under construction at the same hospital premises.
In his speech, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat praised Dr. Hassan’s commitment to patient care, noting how responsive the medical director had been in urgent situations.
Speaking on the trauma project and Benson’s contributions to the development of Ikorodu Division, Hamzat said, “What we’re doing here is another example of delivering the dividends of democracy.”
He went on to reflect on Lagos’ infrastructure progress, highlighting that while only 7% of the state’s 1,989 roads were paved previously, the figure has now risen to 69% thanks to the efforts of dedicated leaders like Rep. Babajimi Benson.
“Rep. Benson is an example of how our party, the APC, identifies and nurtures credible leaders who are focused on delivering tangible results.”
Dr. Hamzat further emphasized the positive impact of Benson’s initiatives, encouraging citizens to remain hopeful about the administration’s commitment to progress.
“With projects like this, our people can see that we are ready to work and deliver at all times. Today, we are witnessing a transformation in the health sector in Ikorodu, thanks to Rep. Benson’s leadership,” he concluded.
The Deputy Governor expressed his anticipation for the commissioning of the Trauma Centre in 2025, marking a new chapter in the healthcare infrastructure of Lagos State.
Council chairmen from across the division, including Hon. Wasiu Adesina, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government; Bldr Sesan Daini, Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA; Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA; and Bldr Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, were also in attendance.
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