Relief for Young Doctors as ARD Opens House Officers’ Quarters

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS AT THE OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF THE ARD HOUSE OFFICERS’ BUILDING

By Dr. Niyi Isaiah Oyetunji, President, ARD OAUTHC

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, on Thursday marked a significant milestone with the official commissioning of its newly completed House Officers’ Building.

In his address, ARD President, Dr. Niyi Isaiah Oyetunji, described the event as “a historic moment and a testament to what unity and persistence can achieve.” He congratulated members of the association and the entire hospital community for witnessing the realisation of a project conceived to ease the accommodation challenges faced by house officers, many of whom arrive in Ile-Ife from outside Osun State.

Dr. Oyetunji traced the origin of the initiative to the administration of Dr. Omoniyi, whose foresight, he said, laid the groundwork for the project. Despite various challenges and delays over the years, he noted that succeeding administrations — led by Dr. Kushoro, Dr. Nana Fayowole, Dr. Anthony Anuforo, and Dr. Enesi — sustained the vision with remarkable resilience and dedication.

He also commended successive Building Committees chaired by Dr. Akinfaderin, Dr. Michael Omenugha, and most recently Dr. Kayode Ibitoye, whose team, he said, “transformed an idea into the magnificent structure we behold today.”

The ARD President paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Chief Medical Director, Prof. A. Adetiloye, describing him as an “unmatched supporter” of the association. Dr. Oyetunji recalled that the Doctors’ Village — a major infrastructural addition to OAUTHC — was actualised under Prof. Adetiloye’s leadership and continues to expand, with the newly commissioned block representing another step forward.

He further expressed gratitude to the hospital management under Prof. J.A.O. Okeniyi for providing the support and enabling environment that made the project achievable.

Dr. Oyetunji applauded past and present members of the ARD Congress whose financial, technical, and moral contributions sustained the project through every phase. “Today’s commissioning is proof that no dream is too difficult when pursued with unity, transparency, and commitment,” he said.

As the building was formally declared open, the ARD President emphasised that it represents more than just a physical structure. “It stands as a symbol of our collective strength, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of ARD OAUTHC. May it serve generations of young doctors and remind us of what is possible when purpose meets persistence,” he stated.

He concluded with a reaffirmation of solidarity and national pride:

“Long live ARD OAUTHC!
Long live NARD!
Long live OAUTHC!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”