Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, has commissioned the Southward Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Edumo, Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The facility, a private sector initiative, is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment, including CT Scan, MRI, and digital X-ray services.

The governor, who inaugurated the hospital on Tuesday, described the facility as a “lifeline for communities” and a significant contribution to the state’s development.

He commended the promoters for investing in healthcare infrastructure, saying it represents hope, progress, and a commitment to the people’s health and wellbeing.

“The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities, including CT Scan, MRI, digital X-ray, ultrasound services, and a laboratory.

“It will serve Kabba/Bunu and neighboring areas, enhancing early detection and treatment of illnesses,” he said.

Ododo assured the management of the hospital of the state’s support, saying the government will provide a conducive environment for such institutions to thrive.

The governor urged citizens to protect and utilize the facility.

He emphasised that the commissioning is part of the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare, alongside government initiatives to upgrade hospitals and expand health insurance access.

The Hospital Chief Executive Officer of SouthWard Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Mrs Jumoke Bosede Omodara, said the hospital was established to complement government efforts in providing quality healthcare to Kogi and Nigeria.

Mrs Omodara said the hospital’s construction began in 2018 and has been equipped with modern diagnostic equipment, including MRI, CT Scan, and X-ray machines, with the help of an 800 million Naira loan from the Bank of Industry.

“The hospital aims to strengthen early disease detection, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce referrals and medical tourism. It will serve Kabba-Bunu, Kogi State, and neighboring states, including Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara,” she said

Mrs Omodara appealed for government patronage and partnership, saying the hospital will key into the Kogi State Health Insurance Programme.

She named the Diagnostic Centre after Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of Nigeria’s President, in recognition of her commitment to maternal and child health; and the maternity wing after her mother-in-law, Mrs Mary Omoyeni.

The Hospital Directors, Prof. Victor Kolawole and Dr. Sherifat Yusuf-Faniran, thanked the government for creating a conducive environment for private sector growth and urged continued support.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, praised the initiative and urged citizens to protect and utilize the facility.

Abdulazeez stressed that the facility would serve Kogi and neighboring states, complementing the state’s health Tertiary Institutions.

The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Okun Traditional Council, HRM Dr Solomon Owoniyi, praised the initiative, and commended the governor for promoting private sector growth.

The royal father appealed to the government to check quack medical practices in the area.