House of Representatives, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, read the Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, for the first time.
The Bill by the member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency is aimed at establishing the first-ever federal medical centre in the Ibarapa region of Oyo State in order for the people of the geopolitical zone to have access to efficient medical care services.
Recall that a similar Bill was sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Muraina Ajibola Muraina, erstwhile lawmaker representing the constituency in the 9th Assembly.
The Bill by the former lawmaker with the title Federal Medical Centre Igboora, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (HB.347), having scaled through the second reading of the House of Representatives, was forwarded to the Senate and subsequently sponsored by Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Yahaya, Senator Representing Kebbi North Senatorial District of Kebbi State, at the 9th Assembly.
However, the Bill was read on the floor of the Senate for the third time and passed on May 10, 2022, but failed to receive the presidential assent of the ex-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
Aware of the development upon resuming office on June 13, 2023, Hon. (Dr.) Adepoju graciously filed and sponsored a fresh Bill with a view to making the project a reality in the federal constituency.
However, the fresh Bill sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Adepoju was among the list of bills read for the first time on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
When asked about the prospects for the Bill, Hon. Adepoju explained that he has established good relationships with key decision-makers at the federal level, and will leverage those relationships to ensure the Bill’s success.
He emphasized that his goal is to serve the people of his constituency and improve their lives. “The Bill is a critical step towards achieving that goal.” He said.