President Bola Tinubu on Saturday described the foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa, as an exemplary Nigerian who is investing his hard-earned resources to impact humanity and enhance better living for all.
Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, has equally emphasised the need for the private and public sectors to collaborate with the government to enhance qualitative healthcare delivery for all Nigerians further
The President disclosed this on Saturday while inaugurating the over N2bn Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation Trauma Centre built by the billionaire industrialist for the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu to mark his 80th birthday.
The event had in attendance the former governor of the state and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Afolabi Salisu representing Ogun Central, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziak Salako, the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, among others.
Tinubu hailed Adegunwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods, for his visionary and legendary commitment to deploying his resources for the upliftment of humanity saying that he remains a shining example of private partnership with the government to make health care accessible for all.
The President said, “This centre is more than a birthday gift, it is a gift to humanity, it is a legacy that affirms that the worth of life we live is not measured in wealth amassed but in life touched, healed and preserved”
He disclosed that the centre, which will help to provide qualitative healthcare intervention during emergencies, came at a time when the Federal Government is also working so hard to reposition the healthcare system and ensure that no one is left behind.
The President said his government recognises the importance of the well-being of its citizens as central to whatever democratic goals it wants to realise, as there won’t be any meaningful progress when health infrastructure is broken when access to emergency care is a privilege and while the poor are priced out of survival.
Tinubu said just last year the Federal Government approved a comprehensive health sector renewal initiative, including the creation of over 8800 new primary healthcare centres across the country and a national health insurance policy that will ensure that nobody is left behind.
He explained that “The Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation Trauma Centre brings to light the Federal Government’s Commitment to building a health sector that works for all, especially in moments of distress when accidents strike, when time is short and when the difference between life and death is determined by the speed and the quality of emergency interventions
“We must not forget that for a nation facing rising urbanisation, motorisation and industrial growth, trauma centre is no longer optional but essential. This centre is therefore a lifeline, it is a symbol of preparedness for a nation that cares. It is a sanctuary where the wounded can find healing, help and hope.”
Calling for the collaboration of the private sector, Tinubu disclosed that “Our historical struggle to develop our health sector must be undertaken through synergy between the private and public sector.
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“We are a nation of immense promise but also of immense need, that is why government alone can not shoulder this burden alone.
“We need more private players, philanthropists, foundations, and professionals to take a cue from what the Adebola Adegunwa family has done and join in building a better nation for all.
Tinubu said, “As we open the door of this centre today, we are also opening the door for the future where no Nigerian dies because help was out of reach while every child, mother, worker or traveller is also assured that while tragedy strikes, help is close by and it is adequate”.
The President, while congratulating Alhaji Adegunwa, equally beckoned on other Nigerians to learn to imbibe a life of service and be ready to write their names in gold in the annals of the country’s history just like the octogenarian.
Speaking earlier, Gov Dapo Abiodun lauded Alhaji Adegunwa for his legendary generosity and for supporting his administration to bring back to life the hitherto ailing hospital.
Abiodun explained that the hospital was a ghost town and was at its knees due to obvious neglect by the past administration when he took over the reins of power in the state in May 2019.
He said that his administration had to declare a state of emergency over the state-owned health facility and that some of his administration’s commitment and efforts brought about the over N2bn Trauma Centre.
The Governor revealed that as a Gateway State playing host to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin expressway, the trauma centre will help a lot to ensure that accident victims get appropriate care at the nick of time.
In his short remark, Alhaji Adegunwa explained that the donation was fuelled by his belief in impacting the world around him, urging other Nigerians to also prioritise the upliftment of humanity.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said that about 40% of the accidents in the country happen in the state due to playing host to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin expressway, while it also has a record of 17% fatalities.
Coker added that the trauma centre is, therefore, a timely intervention that will help a lot in saving many lives during accidents and emergencies
