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By: Manoah kikekon
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| Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar the Chief of the Air Staff of Nigeria and 663 NAF Mother and Child center. |
Badagry, Lagos – Tension is rising in Badagry as residents raise alarm over plans by Group Captain O. Ododo, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce Base in Ahanve, to relocate the military hospital to Northern Nigeria.
The facility, which includes a 663 NAF Mother and Child Center, has been a lifeline for the community, providing critical healthcare services, including eye surgeries, emergency care, and maternal deliveries.
Concerned locals and stakeholders are calling on authorities to intervene, warning that the move would create a healthcare vacuum in the region. A resident, speaking anonymously, revealed:
"This hospital has saved countless lives in Badagry. If it’s moved, where will our people go? The nearest alternative is far, and with the bad roads and frequent accidents, this relocation could be a death sentence for many."
An insider disclosed that the commander has allegedly stopped drug supplies to the facility in preparation for the relocation.
"Right now, if a patient is rushed in, there’s no paracetamol, no injections—nothing. Sick children were brought in last night, and there was no medication to give them," the source lamented.
Another source, who requested anonymity, alleged that the commander is diverting medical supplies to the North:
"Previous commanders maintained this hospital, but since his arrival, everything is being moved out. Equipment is disappearing, yet he collects allocations meant for the facility."
While flooding has been a recurring challenge at the base—leading to the relocation of other departments to Ibadan —residents argue that the hospital should remain operational. Joseph Agbomenu, a youth leader, urged political leaders to act:
"We’ve always had a good relationship with the base. If this hospital is moved, Badagry West will face serious health and security threats. We can’t afford to lose it."
Findings reveal that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had earlier announced plans to relocate the School of Finance and Accounts from Badagry to Ibadan due to flooding and infrastructure challenges. Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by AVM Uchechi Nwagwu, cited these issues during a 2024 graduation ceremony.
However, residents insist that the hospital must stay, given its critical role in the community.
Local leaders are now appealing to Lagos State Government, National Assembly members, and the Chief of Air Staff to halt the relocation, warning of dire consequences if the only functional military hospital in the area is moved.
"We won’t sit back and watch our people suffer. This hospital must remain in Badagry," Agbomenu declared.
As tensions continue, all eyes are on the Nigerian Air Force headquarters to address the growing concerns of Badagry residents.