Governor of Oyo State Commissions IITA Facilities

The Governor of Oyo State, in Nigeria, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Tuesday commissioned the Clinic, Wellness Center and Crèche at the headquarters of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan while underscoring the importance of such facilities in promoting and ensuring the health and well-being of the institute’s staff, in particular, and Nigerians, in general.

Putting the commissioning in a larger perspective, Governor Ajimobi cited striking figures that highlighted the need and benefits of such facilities for an agricultural research center, and the nexus between healthy lifestyle and productivity. He said that, for example, the incidence of diabetes is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, with related health costs estimated at US$ 67.03 billion, or US$8836 for every diabetic patient.

“I congratulate and commend the IITA Women's Group and the Management of IITA for paying attention to the health and welfare of its staff. The Health and Wellness Center could help us in reducing the costs associated with modern-day illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. The Crèche, on the other hand, will help ensure that children of staff are well-taken cared of while their parent or parents are working.”

“These efforts are indeed heartening as these facilities will promote and enhance the physical, mental, and social quality of life of staff,” the governor emphasized.

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