Firm to establish N500m medical laboratory in Akure
NAN-HG-4
Laboratory
By Tayo Ikujuni
Akure, Oct. 24, 2017 (NAN) A multinational oil company, Victory Crystal Investment, plans to establish a N500 million medical laboratory centre in Akure, Ondo State.
Chief Sola Olatunji, its Chief Executive, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Tuesday that the laboratory could turn the state to a medical tourism destination.
Olatunji said the health centre would employ about 120 workers ranging from health professionals to administrative staff.
“Victory Crystal Investment, in conjunction with its UK partners (ADMOLS Medical Diagnostics), has concluded plans to set up a medical centre in Akure in Ondo State.
“This medical laboratory will be of the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard when completed; it will be the first of its kind in West Africa.
“The first phase of the medical laboratory will cost N500 million when completed.
“We are, therefore, requesting the state government to support this laudable project by making available to us one acre of land as we are fully ready to start construction work as soon as possible,’’ he said.
Olatunji said that the company had presented its proposal on the project to the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for necessary approval.
Olatunji also said that the company planned to synergise with the state government to tap fully into the unlimited opportunities in the maritime sector in the state considering recent initiative by Gov. Akeredolu to develop a deep seaport in conjunction with the Federal Government.
“With the establishment of a deep seaport, Ondo State will maximise its potential in ocean economy and develop astronomically.
“We are appealing to Mr Governor to pursue this project with vigour so that it will be a dream come true soon.
“It is high time we maximised the enormous potential in our waters, described today as ocean economy, for the benefit of our people,’’ he said.
Olatunji said the company was also on the verge of concluding an export contract for some agricultural commodities from Ondo State to Europe and America.
He said that this contract, when concluded would run into several millions of dollars and many workers would be recruited for jobs directly and indirectly.
“It is disheartening that decades after the creation of Ondo State, it still relies on the monthly bail out or allocations from Abuja to run the state.
“This is even worsened by the state of the economy and the global oil glut which has led to the decline in the global oil prices.
“Our mission in Ondo State is to join forces with the government of Gov. Akeredolu to transform the economic landscape of the state from lack to prosperity.
“It is also to share the vision of the governor to bring total good to the people of our dear state through genuine economic intervention that will generate revenue for infrastructure development in the state,’’ he said.
Olatunji said to achieve these plans, the company had opened its regional office in Akure, which was inaugurated on Oct. 12 by the state governor.
Victory Crystal Investment is a subsidiary of Victory Group with investments in agriculture, energy, construction, finance and property sectors. (NAN)
IKU/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi