A decisive step was taken on Thursday towards the launch of €55million “Oyo Healthcare New Initiative”, as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and Mr. Olivier Picard, CEO of Ellipse Project, signed a major Commercial Contract in presence of Emmanuelle Blatmann, Ambassador of France to Nigeria.
A statement issued by the Media Officer of the French Embassy in Abuja, Onyinye Madu, said the project is financed by French authorities and will be implemented by Ellipse Projects.
“This ‘Oyo Healthcare New Initiative Project’ is key to the significant upgrade of the healthcare system in the whole of Oyo State, setting new standards in capacity, efficiency, and quality. It will be financed with a concessional loan from France to Nigeria, through the French Treasury, of 55 million euros (27.2 billion naira) over 40 years,” the statement said.
Speaking on the project, French Ambassador to Nigeria said “France is deeply committed to supporting initiatives in favour of quality public services in Nigeria, such as that of Governor Makinde, which will directly benefit the people of this State and set new standards in terms of public healthcare.”
She added: “This is a great example of mutually beneficial French-Nigerian cooperation. We are definitely looking forward to the launch of this project – a partnership between the Oyo State government and a French private company whose savoir faire is renowned throughout the world, with financing from the French government, at very preferential conditions.”