On Sunday, 20th April 2025, a statement was released by Victor Adedeji, Director of Media and Publicity, on behalf of Omo’ba Okunjimi Odimayo, the Lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency. This statement aimed to inform the residents of Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency about the groundbreaking ceremony for an ultramodern hospital in Ode Irele being flagged off by Odimayo, the House of Representatives Lawmaker representing the said constituency.
Starnews reports that the event attracted a significant turnout of supporters, community leaders, and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), generating considerable excitement and optimism within the community.
During the ceremony, Hon. Odimayo reiterated his steadfast commitment to delivering impactful projects that address the fundamental needs of his constituents. He outlined that the hospital project is part of a broader vision to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
However, seven months after this announcement and despite its widespread coverage on social media, there has been no visible progress on the hospital project. A significant taxpayer funds were expended on the celebration of a project that appears not to have existed in the first place, leading to suspicions that the event may have been a political manoeuvre intended to manipulate public sentiment.
Starnews NG recalls statements made by the contractor during the flag-off ceremony, indicating that the proposed ultra modern hospital would feature 20 rooms, including a fully equipped emergency ward, male and female wards, and a state-of-the-art surgical theatre.
READ ALSO: Odimayo Flags Off Construction of Ultramodern Hospital in Ode Irele
However, a recent site visit conducted by Starnews correspondent revealed a contrasting reality: there is no evidence of the promised ultra modern hospital. Instead, a medical laboratory was constructed by Hon. Odimayo near the community health centre in Ode Irele.
This raises a series of troubling questions:
Did the government actually approve the construction of an ultra modern hospital or a medical laboratory for the community? If a hospital was indeed approved, why has Hon. Odimayo opted to build a medical laboratory instead?
Conversely, if the medical laboratory was the intended project, why did the lawmaker issue a statement claiming the flag-off of an ultramodern hospital that would house various medical facilities?
Given these discrepancies, some residents who spoke to Starnews have demanded an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the actions of Hon. Odimayo and the contractor involved in the project. The situation raises significant concerns regarding potential political manipulation for public support or possible collusion between the lawmaker, contractors, and ministry officials to misappropriate funds intended for ultra modern hospital construction.
Starnews NG will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as more information comes to light. The community deserves transparency and accountability from its elected representatives.
Starnews NG has reported recently that the rise in federal allocations to states and increase of allowance to federal lawmakers have not reflected in citizens’ living conditions. Inflation has climbed to over 33 per cent, food inflation is above 40 per cent, and unemployment continues to rise. Despite the huge sums channelled to local councils, most remain financially handicapped as state governments continue to withhold their funds in violation of the financial autonomy directive of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Nigerians are increasingly demanding accountability as poverty deepens despite the surge in FAAC allocations. Across states, residents are questioning how such massive inflows of cash have failed to translate into better roads, improved healthcare, functional schools, or job opportunities.
With trillions shared from the federation account in seven months, the growing call is for citizens to rise and ask their elective representatives to account for how the funds were spent and why the nation’s economy remains stagnant despite record revenue inflows.
READ ALSO: Federal Allocations: Trillions Flow To Lagos, Delta, Ondo, Others — Yet Nigerians See No Relief
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