JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
…Seeks N350 million medical equipment supply probe, N500 million Ayetoro hospital project
…Report two allocations for Itori Primary Health Center worth N420 million, requires procurement records
Daud Olatunji
The Ogun Good Governance Forum (OGGF) has raised concerns over the implementation of four health-related projects listed in the Appropriation Act of 2026, with a combined budget allocation of $1.27 billion, and threatened to petition anti-corruption agencies over the projects.
The group called on Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to clarify his alleged links to the projects and provide relevant explanations, while announcing their intention to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission within seven days.
In a statement, the OGGF said its budget review identified allocations for medical equipment in selected communities, diagnostic tools for the General Hospital, Ayetoro, and two separate line items for the construction of a primary health center in Itori, Ogun State.
The group expressed concern about the status of projects, particularly those listed as ongoing, and called for the publication of procurement documents, implementation records and evidence of expenditure.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified and the mere existence of the budget items does not prove that the funds were spent improperly or that any individual or institution committed fraud.
The first project cited by the group is listed under code ERGP25237175, with an allocation of $350 million for the provision of medical equipment to selected health centers and hospitals in Itele, Remo, Wasimi, Imasayi, Mowe and Ifoyintedo communities.
The project is credited to University College Hospital, Ibadan and marked as ongoing in information provided by OGGF.
The group said its field team visited some communities and observed that the health facilities inspected lacked essential equipment and other basic medical supplies.
He consequently questioned which facilities received the equipment covered by the N350 million allocation.
The group, however, did not provide procurement documents, delivery records or an independent audit to establish whether the equipment had been purchased, delivered to other facilities or remained on hold.
Another project reported by OGGF is listed under code ERGP20277807, with an allocation of $500 million for the provision of diagnostic equipment and tools for the General Hospital, Ayetoro, in Yewa North Local Government Area.
The project is also credited to University College Hospital, Ibadan and marked as ongoing.
According to the group, the hospital continues to face challenges with diagnostic services, including the reported non-functionality of its X-ray and scanning units.
He questioned whether the equipment covered by the allocation had been purchased and installed, urging relevant institutions to disclose the project implementation status and supporting documents.
The third and fourth items concern the construction of a primary health center in Itori, with the same project description appearing twice in the budget information cited by the OGGF.
One item, ERGP25239412, carries an endowment of N70 million and is attributed to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.
The other, ERGP20277808, provides N350m for a project of the same description and is attributed to University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Both entries are reportedly marked as ongoing.
The two allocations amount to N420 million, prompting the OGGF to question whether they represent separate components of a project, distinct projects in the same location or a duplication that requires clarification.
The group also said that its field team found no construction work at the inspected location in Itori.
It urged relevant authorities to explain why the same project description appeared under two different codes and agencies, and to publish the scope of work, contracts awarded, payment records and implementation reports.
While the repeated description raises questions that deserve clarification, it does not, in and of itself, establish a budget increase or fraud. Responsible agencies should explain the relationship between the two items and whether the funds have been released or spent.
The OGGF said it intends to broaden its scrutiny beyond the four projects, announcing plans to examine constituency-related projects associated with Senator Adeola in 48 ministries, departments and agencies from 2023 to date.
The group said it will petition the EFCC and ICPC within seven days, requesting investigations into the projects and management of public funds.
It also announced plans to file freedom of information requests with University College Hospital, Ibadan, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro and other relevant agencies to obtain procurement and implementation documents.
Furthermore, the group said it will approach the Federal High Court in Abeokuta to seek an order of mandamus enforcing disclosure of relevant information and liability relating to the projects.
The proposed lawsuit, if dismissed, would be subject to review and decision by the court.
The OGGF urged Ogun residents to demand greater transparency in the implementation of electoral projects, arguing that budgetary allocations should result in functioning health facilities and improved access to medical services.
The group argued that the concerns raised should be addressed through the publication of documentary evidence and independent examination of the projects.
‘Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE
