First Bank of Nigeria has marked a significant milestone by commissioning the very first Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in the vibrant Ijeododo Community, located in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. This groundbreaking project comes to fruition after 22 months of dedicated efforts since the foundation was laid. The initiative aligns with FirstBank’s commitment to the Lagos State Government’s “One Community at a Time (OCAAT)” program, aiming to bring sustainable improvements to the lives of people across the state.
At the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of First Bank, emphasized the synergy between the OCAAT initiative and FirstBank’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) approach. Representing Dr. Adeduntan, Mr. Seyi Oyefeso acknowledged the significant impact of the PHC completion, stating that residents of the community would no longer have to endure long journeys to access essential healthcare services.
Dr. Adeduntan highlighted FirstBank’s three-pronged CR&S approach: Citizenship, Stakeholder Management, and Impact Management. Citizenship and Stakeholder Management involve considering stakeholders’ needs, while Impact Management focuses on minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive contributions to society. The successful partnership with the Lagos State Government in executing this project stands as a testament to FirstBank’s dedication to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed his gratitude to First Bank for their contribution to the PHC. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, he commended the bank for their commitment to providing efficient and accessible healthcare services to all residents. The governor encouraged more corporate organizations and individuals to follow First Bank’s lead in addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities.
Mrs. Jaji acknowledged the positive impact of the PHC on the Ijeododo community and its surrounding areas. With a capacity to improve the quality of life for over ten thousand residents, the healthcare facility will alleviate the pressure on existing healthcare resources and reduce the need for long-distance travel. She also highlighted the successful collaboration between the Lagos State Government and First Bank, which resulted in the construction of the Recreation Park in Ijeododo, enhancing the mental and physical well-being of the community, especially the younger generation.
This commissioning is just the beginning of a transformative journey in Ijeododo. The Primary Healthcare Centre, in conjunction with other initiatives under the One Community at a Time program, demonstrates the power of collective efforts in bringing positive change to underserved communities. As First Bank continues to exemplify its commitment to corporate social responsibility, it sets a remarkable example for other organizations to contribute meaningfully to society’s well-being.