First Bank Commissions Healthcare Centre In Lagos

First Bank of Nigeria has commissioned the first Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) at Ijeododo Community, Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State which would serve more than 2000 residents of the community 22 months after it laid the foundation.

The bank had embarked on the project of providing healthcare for the Ijedodo community as part of its commitment and support for the Lagos State Government’s “One Community at a Time (OCAAT)” initiative.

Speaking at the commissioning, the managing director and chief executive of First Bank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, said it was important to note that the OCAAT initiative, which is an integrated, inter-sectoral and community-based programme aimed at achieving sustainable improvements in the lives of people across Lagos State, aligns with the tenets of FirstBank’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) approach.

Adeduntan who was represented by Mr. Seyi Oyefeso, noted that, with the completion of the PHC, “it is heart-warming to know that beginning from today, residents of this community will no longer have to travel long distances to access a fundamental amenity such as healthcare.

“This reality in itself is one of the biggest inspirations behind our partnership with the Lagos State Government to execute this project and I congratulate everyone for being a part of the life-changing history being made today.”

“At FirstBank, our CR&S approach is three-pronged: Citizenship, Stakeholder Management, and Impact Management. While the Citizenship and Stakeholder Management arms involve considering the needs of stakeholders when making decisions, Impact Management focuses on minimising our negative impact and increasing our positive impact on the society.

“it is heart-warming to know that beginning from today, residents of this community will no longer have to travel long distances to access a fundamental amenity such as healthcare. This reality in itself is one of the biggest inspirations behind our partnership with the Lagos State Government to execute this project and I congratulate everyone for being a part of the life-changing history being made today”

On his part, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, whilst commending First Bank for the donation of the PHC, said: “this facility will go a long way in boosting the healthcare service delivery in this community and also complement our administration’s efforts to provide efficient and accessible health care services to all our people.

“I commend and appreciate First Bank of Nigeria for partnering with us by deploying their corporate social responsibility to the construction of this PHC for easy access to quality health care services. I encourage more corporate organizations and individuals to toe the path of First Bank of Nigeria by partnering with the government in addressing the challenges of the underserved communities.”

Speaking on the OCAAT initiative, Jaji said: “without any doubt, the Primary Healthcare Centre constructed by First Bank of Nigeria will improve the quality of life of over ten thousand residents of Ijeododo and other people from its environ. It will also reduce the pressure on the Healthcare facility which they hitherto travel long distance to access.

“The initial phase of the project being commissioned was kicked off in 2021 when Mr. Governor performed the groundbreaking ceremony with the Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Adesola Adedutan who pledged the Bank’s commitment towards completion of the project under its philanthropic Corporate Social Responsibility to promote acts of kindness.

“I am pleased to inform you that apart from the Primary Healthcare Centre being commissioned today, the Lagos State Government through the One Community at A Time Initiative in July 2021 constructed Ijeododo’s Recreation Park to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of the people especially the younger ones in the community.