President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across Nigeria, along with the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to address trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday. He emphasized the need for greater private sector participation in healthcare reforms, stressing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s challenges.
Shettima highlighted the Trauma Centre as a vital addition to Nigeria’s emergency care infrastructure, aligning with the government’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative. He noted the importance of trauma care in a rapidly urbanizing nation.
He also praised the philanthropic efforts of Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, whose foundation built the facility. Shettima urged more philanthropists to invest in healthcare development.
The Trauma Centre, built within Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, is part of the government’s broader plan to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system, including a National Health Insurance Scheme and a Digital Health Information Management System.
The event also celebrated Adegunwa’s 80th birthday, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praising his legacy of philanthropy. The Governor commended the improvement of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the commissioning of the Trauma Centre.
Adegunwa expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He also recalled his past contributions to the university, highlighting the institution’s special place in his heart.
The Chairman of the Board of Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kunle Hassan, acknowledged the trauma center’s potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery and pledged to ensure its long-term success.
Traditional ruler Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí also called for more federal presence in Remoland, pointing out the lack of federal universities and polytechnics in the area.
