By Muhammad Amaan
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for collective efforts from stakeholders to revive Nigeria’s ailing healthcare system.
He also stressed the need for increased involvement of Nigerians in transforming the sector.
Shettima said the time had come for Nigerians, including foundations, philanthropists, and private sector players, to collaborate with the Federal Government in developing the health sector.
“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 challenges,” the Vice-President stated while commissioning the new Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The new trauma centre was donated to OOUTH on Saturday by the Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, Sulaiman Adegunwa, through his Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation, in commemoration of his 80th birthday.
Calling on Nigerians to emulate the donor, Shettima stressed that with Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation, a trauma centre was not optional but essential.
“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 actively participate in national development,” he added.
Speaking on the facility, Shettima said the trauma centre would support emergency intervention efforts.
According to him, this aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s agenda of giving Nigerians hope, particularly trauma and accident victims in need of urgent medical care.
“The Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre fits into this vision. It reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a health sector that works for all, especially in moments of distress, when accidents occur, time is critical, and the difference between life and death lies in the speed of emergency response,” he noted.
Also speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State stated that the new trauma centre would ensure accident victims and patients in critical condition receive prompt medical attention.
“Now, emergency cases, particularly trauma from road accidents and other critical conditions requiring swift and expert intervention, will be handled promptly. This is especially significant, given the proximity of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria’s busiest road, and the Sagamu–Benin Expressway to this facility,” the governor said.
Governor Abiodun noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare, as health remains a top priority for the state government.
“We recognise that the foundation of a thriving society lies in its ability to deliver timely, specialised, and inclusive medical services. The establishment of this trauma centre marks a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to strengthen Ogun State’s medical infrastructure.
“It will significantly complement our healthcare reforms aimed at enhancing the well-being of our people, especially during these trying times of global economic challenges,” he added.
