New health centre ends Ogun women’s trips to Benin Republic

After years of women in Igbokofi, Ogun State, facing perilous journeys to the Benin Republic for medical care, a new health center has been commissioned, bringing essential services closer to home.

The five-bedroom facility, complete with staff quarters, was built following a PUNCH report in May 2025. The article highlighted the dire lack of primary healthcare in the community and the tragic consequences, including the loss of lives. Folake Olaniyi, who previously shared her story of losing her womb and baby due to the lack of medical facilities, expressed her gratitude at the commissioning.

"I give glory to God for making this day possible. We have suffered a lot in this community. We are grateful to the local government for finally making this happen. We are truly grateful," Olaniyi said, her earlier distress replaced with joy.

The path to the health center's completion involved community and government collaboration. Following the PUNCH report, the Yewa North Local Government promised to build a center. The community responded by donating two plots of land in November 2025. A ground-breaking ceremony took place in March 2026, culminating in the facility's commissioning on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Elder Bamgbose, another resident who had spoken to PUNCH about the healthcare challenges, was also present at the celebration. The new health center signifies a crucial improvement in healthcare access for Igbokofi, preventing further tragedies and offering a lifeline to its residents.

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I give glory to God for making this day possible. We have suffered a lot in this community. We are grateful to the local government for finally making this happen. We are truly grateful.