...we are pursuing access to qualitative, affordable healthcare in Ogun-Abiodun.

The Federal Government has approved the establishment of 8,880 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the country under the Comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu.

He said tertiary institutions that are to handle trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases have also been upgraded.

"The administration is also investing in the National Health Insurance Scheme that gives all Nigerians hope and a digital information management system that ensures data-driven diagnosis.

"Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre fits into this. It brings the federal government's commitment to build a health sector that works for all, especially in a moment of distress when accidents strike, when time is short, and when the difference between life and death is determined by the speed of emergency intervention," he noted.

The Vice President emphasized that in a nation facing rapid urbanization, a trauma centre is not optional but essential, calling on philanthropists, the private sector, and wealthy individuals to rise beyond private achievements to build a virile nation.

"Our historical struggles to fix the healthcare system must be undertaken collectively through synergy between the public and private sectors. We are a nation of immense promise, but also of immense problems. That is why the government alone cannot shoulder these problems.

"We need more private sector players, philanthropists, foundations, and professionals to take a cue from what Otunba Adegunwa has done to rise beyond personal achievements and involve themselves in national development," he added.

The Vice President stated that history only remembers those who serve, just as the facility would serve generations yet unborn, adding that Adegunwa has written his name in gold as someone who lights a candle rather than gives darkness.

In his speech, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun acknowledged the critical role of the centre as a monumental facility established for the benefit of humanity.

He described the condition of the hospital when he assumed office six years ago as terrible, saying his administration had made efforts to reposition and restore the health facility to its present state.

"When I assumed office in 2019, this hospital was the first health centre I visited, and the condition was so bad that we had to declare an emergency on this facility. We set up a panel headed by Dr. Yemi Onabowale of Redington and others to advise on how to reposition this hospital.

"In line with their recommendations, we constituted and inaugurated the hospital governing board, which had not existed for many years. We brought in Pa Adegunwa to cooperate and work with them. Now, emergency cases, particularly trauma from road accidents and other critical conditions requiring quick and expert intervention, will be attended to, especially in view of the fact that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the busiest road in Nigeria, and the Sagamu-Benin Expressway are contiguous to this health facility," he said.

The Governor stated that the initiative aligns with his administration's vision of ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all, as healthcare remains a priority for the state government.

He added: "We are aware that the foundation of a thriving society is its ability to provide timely, specialized, and inclusive medical services.

"The establishment of this Trauma Centre marks a significant milestone in the quest to strengthen Ogun State’s medical infrastructure. It will greatly complement our ongoing efforts to reposition the healthcare sector towards enhancing the wellness and well-being of our citizens, especially in this trying time of global economic challenges."

The Governor expressed gratitude to God for allowing the renowned industrialist to see his 80th birthday and commended Chief Adegunwa for his philanthropic gesture, observing that his life has been a shining testimony of visionary leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.

"Chief Adegunwa has consistently demonstrated an enviable commitment to the well-being of others. His philanthropic efforts span across education, healthcare, and community development, culminating in the state-of-the-art trauma center, an enduring love for humanity," Abiodun said.

Speaking, the donor stated that he decided to give back to society to appreciate God for allowing him to live up to the age of 80 years, just as the facility would complement the efforts of the government in providing quality healthcare services to the people.