Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is working diligently to reposition the nation’s health sector through enhanced financing, workforce training and digital integration.
Shettima said this at the inauguration of Sulaiman Adegunwa Trauma Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
The ceremony, held in Sagamu, Ogun State, commemorated the 80th birthday of the Asiwaju of Ijebuland, Adegunwa.
Shettima disclosed that President Tinubu has approved a comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which included the creation of over 8,800 new primary health care centres across the country.
He noted that Tinubu also approved the upgrading of existing tertiary institutions to handle trauma, oncology and infectious disease control.
He emphasised that the Sulaiman Adegunwa Trauma Centre was a testament to the federal government’s commitment to building a health sector that works for all.
“This is especially in moment of distress when accidents strike, when time is short and when the difference between life and death is determined by the speed and quality of emergency intervention.
“We must not forget that in a nation facing rise in urbanisation,.motorisation and industrial risks, trauma centre is no longer optional, it is essential.
“This is why this centre is not just bridge and mortal institution, it is a lifeline, it is a symabol of preparedness in a nation that cares. It is a sanctuary where the wounded can find healing and where family in dispair can find hope.”
Shettima stated that the historical struggle to fix the nation’s healthcare system must be undertaken collectively through synergy between the public and private sectors.
He empahaised the need for more private sector players, philanthropist, foundations, and professionals to take inspiration from what the Adegunwa’s family has done.
“This facility will serve generation yet unborn. With it, Asiwaju Adegunwa has inscribe his name in the golden annals of those who choose to light the candle rather than curse the darkness.”
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, described Adegunwa as a philanthropist, entrepreneur and an astute businessman.
He noted that even at 80 years old, Adegunwa has consistently achieved greatness.
He noted that the gathering was not only to honour him but to celebrate a legacy and a milestone, acknowledging him as a father of modern philanthropy.
The governor futher stated that the trauma centre was a monumental facility established for the benefit of humanity and betterment of mankind.
In his remarks, Adegunwa thanked the governor and all who contributed to making the project a reality.
He said he was inspired by a verse in the Quran which enjoined individuals to give from what thay have been blessed with, since no wealth will last forever.
“The verse is a clear command from the creator and with that in mind I have come to realised that true prosperity is not measured by the wealth we accumulate but how we use it to uplift others and alleviate sufferings.”
Also, the Chairman, Board of Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching, Sagamu, Dr Kunle Hassan, said the trauma centre will enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.
He assured that the hospital’s management would ensure effective utilisation and maintenance of the facility, ensuring it continued to serve the community for generations.
“About 15 months ago, Chief Adegunwa called me that he will like to see me that he is going to be 80 years old, and instead of throwing parties and all this, he wants something to give back to the community.
“We had a budget of N800 million and instead of N800 million he spend over N2 billion to build equipped the facility.”
On his part, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, while commending Chief Adegunwa for his selfless service to humanity, advocated for more federal presence in Remoland.
“We need more federal presence in Remoland. As at today there is no single federal university or federal polytechnic in Remoland.”
