Gov AbdulRazaq commissions Diabetes Centre in Offa, urges more collaboration
Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday inaugurated a Diabetes Screening and Treatment Center donated by the Lions International District 404 B2 Nigeria for Offa community and its environs, calling for more partnerships with the administration for improved living standards of the people.
Commissioning the facility, located inside General Hospital in Offa, the Governor said the donation represents community service and support at its best and commended the donor for the investments to tackle diabetes, a major public health threat in Nigeria and the world.
“This unique humanitarian gesture will be remembered for years to come as a lifesaving contribution by Lions Club International, District 404B2, for diabetes diagnosis and treatment.
“I commend the Lions Club for this huge gesture. We look forward to more such collaborations with the government to improve the people’s living standards,” the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq said diabetes is a chronic condition that currently afflicts 463 million adults worldwide — a number that is estimated to hit 700 million by the close of 2045.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria is 4.3 per cent, largely attributed to lifestyle changes caused by urbanization, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, smoking and harmful use of alcohol,” he added.
The Chief Medical Director of the General Hospital Offa, Dr Olabisi Abdulsalam, lauded the leadership quality of Governor AbdulRazaq and his belief in the power of partnership to reposition the health sector in the state.
He also thanked the Lions Club International Foundation for the kind gesture and the Offa community for their unflinching support throughout the execution of the project.
At the event was the TIC Chairman for Offa, Hon. Jare Olatundun; the Executive Secretary of Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik; representative of the Commissioner for Health and Director of Medical Services in the Ministry, Dr Odunaiya Muslihu; Chief Medical Director General Hospital Offa Dr Olabisi Abdulsalam; former cabinet member Alhaji Femi Wahab White; representative of Olofa of Offa Chief Isiaka Adebayo.
Top guns of the Lions Club who attended the event include the Offa District Governor, Prof. Emmanuel Fagbohun, Engr. HOB Lawal; Dr. Adekunle Sanusi; Chief Ayobola Samuel; Dr. TOS Adewumi; and Project Coordinator, Otunba Ademola Adesoye.
