A Nigerian-born healthcare professional based in North America, Dr. Victoria Funmilayo Bandele, has established the Julayo Medical Centre in Ijoka, Akure, to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare in Ondo State.
The facility, commissioned in Akure, attracted government officials, traditional rulers, healthcare professionals and community leaders, who described the project as a major boost to healthcare delivery and a demonstration of the positive impact of diaspora investment.
Founder of Julayo Global Health Foundation International, Dr. Bandele, said the medical centre was established to provide quality healthcare services to underserved communities and promote the transfer of medical knowledge and skills to Nigeria.
She explained that despite challenges encountered in shipping medical equipment into the country, the vision of improving healthcare in her home state remained her driving force.
Dr. Bandele appreciated the Ondo State Government, particularly the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, and former Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Prince Gboyega Adefarati, for supporting the project.
She disclosed that a free medical outreach organised by the foundation before the commissioning attended to more than 80 patients suffering from ailments including diabetes, hypertension and malaria, underscoring the need for affordable healthcare services.
Commissioning the project, The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, commended the foundation for donating modern medical equipment and consumables to government health facilities, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in the state.
Former Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs and Chairman of the occasion, Prince Gboyega Adefarati, described Dr. Bandele as a worthy ambassador of Ondo State, saying the investment would create jobs and improve access to quality medical services.
Representing the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Dr. Olumide Asere, said the project reflects the vital role Nigerians in the diaspora can play in national development.
The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, represented at the event, described the medical centre as a welcome addition to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, while the Erelu of Akure Kingdom, Chief Mrs. Adekanye, urged more women to emulate Dr. Bandele’s commitment to community development.
Community leaders also welcomed the initiative, noting that the facility would improve maternal and child healthcare and reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for specialised medical care.
They also appealed to government to improve access roads leading to the medical centre.
Board of Trustees member of Julayo Medical Foundation, Mrs. Labake Oladunjoye, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare interventions across Ondo State and other parts of the country.
The establishment of Julayo Medical Centre is expected to improve access to modern healthcare services for residents of Ijoka and neighbouring communities while encouraging greater diaspora participation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
