By Bamidele Aremu
In the heart of Odo-Okun, a community bubbling with commercial activities in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State capital, lies a crumbling health facility that was once a beacon of hope for thousands of residents. Today, the Odo-Okun Primary Health Center (PHC) stands as a grim symbol of neglect, its decaying structure echoing the unanswered cries of a community abandoned by the Kwara State government.
When National Pilot visited the center on Monday, the signs of decay were impossible to ignore. Cracked fences, a collapsing roof, and rust-streaked walls greet visitors to a facility that should embody hope and health. Inside, the scene is even grimmer—broken equipment, decayed furniture, and a pervasive stench of abandonment. For the residents of Odo-Okun, these deplorable conditions are not just an eyesore but a daily battle for survival.
The perimeter fence, once a bright yellow, is now a discolored patchwork of cracks and mold, with peeling paint revealing rusty metal rods. The roof is partially collapsed, exposing termite-infested beams to the elements. Inside, shattered glass litters the floor, and creaking doors hang precariously from their hinges, allowing dust and debris to swirl in with the wind.
The air inside the building is thick with the stench of decay. The floors are cracked and puddled with stagnant water, while faded health posters cling desperately to cobweb-streaked walls. Rusted medical equipment, broken furniture, and soiled mattresses paint a picture of despair.
A staff of the health care centre who spoke to National Pilot under the condition of anonymity, revealed that the situation is even more dire that it appears. She revealed that healthcare centre is understaffed and in order to manage the issue of staff shortage, a resident of the Odo-Okun community volunteered to pay the casual workers but in the last three months, the payment has stopped coming.
“It’s not just the equipment and the building that are suffering, it’s the people who are supposed to provide care to these women. A man from this community has been the one paying the salaries of these casual workers generously but since three months now, no money has come out probably due to the current economic situation of the country, ” she told National Pilot.
A resident of the community, Mrs. Aminatu Abdulquadri, lamented the deplorable conditions at the center.
“It’s heartbreaking that we have to travel long distances just to get proper maternity care. Many women in this community have suffered complications because the facility lacks basic equipment and medicines.” She said.
Another resident, Mr. Taiwo Olarewanju, echoed Mrs. Amina’s sentiments saying, “This is not the first time we’ve raised our voices about this issue. Our wives and children deserve better. It’s shameful that in this modern age, we are still struggling for basic healthcare.”
The Chairman of the Odo-Okun Community Development Association, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulganiyi expressed dismay over the situation, revealing that the community had taken proactive steps to seek help from relevant authorities.
“We have written several letters to the Ministry of Health and the state government, but all we get are empty promises. Nothing tangible has been done to address our plight,” Alhaji Yusuf explained.
He further disclosed that irregular payment of salaries to the security personnel had worsened the situation.
“The security staff stopped guarding the maternity center due to unpaid wages. This negligence led to the vandalism of vital equipment, further crippling the facility’s operations,” he added
One of the letters addressed to the Kwara State Commissioner for health on May 14, 2024 which was assessed by National Pilot reads: ” Request for assistance on Renovation of our Dilapidated Health Centre
“There is growing roofs collapsing in Health Centre (odo-okun) and existence of dangerous building collapse, the buildings are old, lacking repair and maintenance with their conditions eventually becoming dilapidated. The entire patients word are not in good condition for
admission and working, of which the patient, and nurses feel very uncomfortable in paying good attention to.
“Sir, we are appealing to you to come to our rescue as a matter of urgency, because the condition of the Health centre right now is beyond the reach of the community alone.
“We shall be grateful if our request is considered and granted as this we look forward optimistically for this to become a reality. Attached with photograph of the health centre premises in present condition. Thanks.”
Another letter without date which was addressed to the 10th House Majority leader of Kwara State House of Assembly, Honorable Abdulkadir Oba Magaji reads: ” Request for assistance on Renovation of dilapidated classrooms and our health centre.
“There is growing roofs collapsing in school (odo-okun) and existence of dangerous building Rew roofs, the buildings are old, lacking repair and maintenance with their conditions eventually becoming dilapidated. The entire classroom and patients word are not in good condition for learning and working, of which the student, patient, teachers and nurses feel very uncomfortable in paying good attention to.
“Sir, we are appealing to you to come to our rescue as a matter of urgency, because the condition of the school and the Health centre right now is beyond the reach of the community alone.
“In conclusion sir, in the name of above named community we are
using this opportunity to appreciate your numerous assistance to us and we are looking forward for more sir. We pray to Almighty “Allah” to spare your life with good health and more wisdom Allahuma Amin. Attached with photograph of the classroom and health centre premises in present condition Thanks.”
However, all efforts to get the Ilorin West local Government chairman, Hon.
AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan’s reaction, proved abortive. When National Pilot contacted the chairman via his mobile line around 6:44pm on Thursday, the line was off.
Also, calls put to his mobile line on Friday around 12:49pm and 12:50pm were not answered. A text which reads: ” Good day, Honourable. I write on behalf of National Pilot Newspaper. I want to get your reaction over the dilapidated conditions of Odo-Okun Primary Health Care centre. The residents informed our medium that they’ve written series of letter to the government, including your office over the PHC but nothing has been done, sir. What’s the issue with the PHC centre, should the residents be expecting a change anytime soon and how soon sir?” was set to his direct line and WhatsApp at 1:31pm and 1:00pm respectively. But at the time of filling this report, no reply yet.
For the residents of Odo-Okun, the neglect of their health center is not just a structural failure—it’s a human tragedy. With no intervention from the government in sight, the community’s hopes for a better tomorrow grow dimmer with each passing day.
