President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation Trauma Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State. The over N2 billion facility, a gift from industrialist and philanthropist Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa to commemorate his 80th birthday, was lauded by the President as a testament to Adegunwa’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. Tinubu emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system and highlighted the center as a shining example of such collaboration. He reiterated his administration’s focus on healthcare reform, referencing the initiative to establish over 8,800 primary healthcare centers and implement a national health insurance policy to ensure universal access to care.
The President underscored the significance of the trauma center, particularly in light of Nigeria’s increasing urbanization, motorization, and industrial growth, factors that contribute to a higher incidence of accidents and emergencies. He described the facility as a “lifeline” and a “symbol of preparedness,” emphasizing its critical role in providing timely and effective intervention in life-threatening situations. Tinubu called upon other private sector actors, philanthropists, and foundations to emulate Adegunwa’s generosity and invest in improving the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. He envisioned a future where access to quality emergency care is readily available to all Nigerians, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Alhaji Adegunwa, the CEO of Rite Foods, explained that his motivation for building the trauma center stemmed from his deep-seated belief in the importance of giving back to society and positively impacting the lives of others. He urged fellow Nigerians to prioritize humanitarian efforts and contribute to the betterment of their communities. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun commended Adegunwa’s philanthropic gesture and acknowledged his support in revitalizing the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, which had suffered from neglect under previous administrations. Abiodun explained that the hospital’s condition had necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency upon his assumption of office in 2019.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the strategic importance of the trauma center, given Ogun State’s location as a gateway state and its position along major expressways, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin routes, which experience a high volume of traffic and, consequently, a significant number of road accidents. He emphasized the center’s crucial role in providing immediate and appropriate care to accident victims, thereby significantly improving their chances of survival. Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, provided further context by stating that the state accounts for approximately 40% of accidents nationwide due to its strategic location on these major highways, with a fatality rate of 17%.
The inauguration of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation Trauma Centre represents a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s emergency healthcare capabilities. The facility, a testament to the power of public-private partnerships, will undoubtedly save countless lives by providing timely and effective intervention in critical situations. Alhaji Adegunwa’s philanthropic act serves as an inspiration, encouraging other individuals and organizations to contribute to the development of a robust and accessible healthcare system in Nigeria. The President’s emphasis on collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector underscores the shared responsibility in addressing the nation’s healthcare needs.
The trauma center’s strategic location in Ogun State, a major transit hub, further amplifies its potential impact. Given the high incidence of road accidents along the state’s major highways, the facility is poised to play a critical role in reducing fatalities and improving outcomes for accident victims. The combined efforts of philanthropists like Alhaji Adegunwa, government initiatives, and private sector involvement are crucial in building a more resilient and equitable healthcare system that caters to the needs of all Nigerians. The Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation Trauma Centre stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
