Rotary Club of Akure Metro Breaks Ground for FUTA Teaching Hospital Crèche Project
The Rotary Club of Akure Metro has commenced construction of a crèche at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital to support staff and nursing mothers within the hospital. The turning-of-the-sod ceremony, held on 15 April 2026 at the hospital premises, was attended by members of the Rotary Club and staff of the hospital.
Addressing attendees, the President of the Rotary Club of Akure Metro, Rotarian Bose Akinyanju, expressed great pleasure and a deep sense of fulfillment at the milestone. She explained that the initiative, conceived during the 2025/2026 Rotary year, is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment for nursing mothers working in the hospital. She emphasized that the event goes beyond the start of a building project; it stands as a testament to Rotary’s enduring commitment to “Service Above Self” and impactful community development.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Olusegun Ojo, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Bello Olasehinde, described the project as one very dear to the hospital’s management. He noted that discussions with the CMD highlighted the urgent need for a crèche within the hospital. According to him, the facility will serve two key purposes: providing proper care for children while their parents attend to patients, and minimizing distractions in the wards to ensure improved focus and quality healthcare delivery.
Dr. Olasehinde expressed appreciation on behalf of the hospital management for the Rotary Club’s goodwill in helping to ease the institution’s challenges. He added that since the hospital was established on 5 March 2025, it has faced financial constraints, as the 2025 budget cycle had already been concluded before its creation and the 2026 budget is yet to be approved. As such, any form of support remains highly valued.
Rotarian Ologundudu Rotimi, Past Assistant Governor, thanked attendees for their presence and gave an overview of the building plan. He explained that the facility is designed to support working mothers by offering a conducive space where nursing mothers can properly care for their children. He assured that all necessary facilities have been carefully considered in both the planning and execution stages. The crèche will include a napkin-changing room, a toddler area, a breastfeeding room, a sickbay, a playground, an office, a kitchen, bathrooms and toilets, as well as recreational features such as a television and toys for the children.
District Governor, Rotarian Ken Batife, also expressed gratitude to all present, including the hospital management. He commended them for accepting the Rotary Club’s gesture, noting that such offers are sometimes declined. He reiterated that humanitarian service remains the core of Rotary’s mission. Since its establishment in 1905, spanning over 121 years, Rotary has consistently been known for doing good. He noted that Rotarians find fulfillment in giving and ensuring that communities benefit from their efforts. According to him, they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, such as providing boreholes in communities where they may never directly benefit. He cited examples of Rotary’s impact, including projects at psychiatric hospitals, installations around Isikan, and initiatives in Ago-Ireti where children of leprosy patients have been trained to become medical doctors at the University of Ibadan. He added that such humanitarian efforts are replicated globally.
In his closing remarks, the District Governor appealed to the hospital management and stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance of the facility upon completion. He referenced the Arakale Health Centre, originally built by Rotarians during the era of the Rotary Club of Ijapo, as a reminder of the importance of sustainability. He reassured the management of Rotary’s continued commitment to serving humanity, noting that their purpose remains firmly anchored in humanitarian service.
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