By Catherine Egwuom
The National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL), in commemoration of its 80th anniversary, has commissioned building projects and exhibited products and services.
The three building projects were built and donated by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, Murtala Ibrahim Adegboyega Foundation and Princess Adegoke Orelope.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the building projects are the patient relations’ hostels, a block of 36 mini flats staff quarters, and Phase 11 College of Nursing Hostel.
In his keynote address, Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, reflected on the theme of the celebration, stating that it was timely and inspiring.
He said it provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the remarkable journey of the institution but also to chart a progressive path toward greater innovation.
“I urge the management and staff of Igbobi to remain steadfast in upholding the values of professionalism, compassion, integrity, innovation and excellence that have sustained the hospital over the years.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would continue to support policies and programmes aimed at promoting quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), a former governor of Lagos State, described NOHIL as a place of care and hope which deserved to be celebrated and its works publicised.
He commended those who had held the flag of the institution flying and encouraged them to keep the work going.
“I express deep and profound gratitude for your professionalism and care, prompt intervention on my relatives and staff”.
“The Federal Government should ensure that his own child (Igbobi) does not become an orphan. I call on well meaning Nigerians to support the hospital, to sustain and improve itself,” he said.
Dr Wakeel Olaide, the Medical Director of NOHIL, said he was delighted, as part of the landmark celebration, three significant projects were commissioned, reflecting continued growth and strategic partnership.
He said Igbobi had strengthened collaborations, embraced modern technologies and upheld standards that positioned it as a referral center of choices across West Africa.
He called on corporate bodies and private individuals to partner with the institution in advancing the frontiers of orthopaedic care through infrastructural development
NAN reports that products from different departments of the hospital were displayed for exhibition and for sale.
Also, NOHIL honoured 21 stakeholders for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the hospital.
Among the prominent recipients of the awards were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation; the Murtala Adegboyega Foundation; and the late philanthropist, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony.
Speaking, Mrs Bunmi Adegboyega-Ibraheem thanked the hospital management for its long-standing service to humanity.
Adegboyega-Ibraheem, who received the award on behalf of the Murtala Adegboyega Foundation—which built and donated a block of 36 mini-flats for staff quarters—expressed mixed emotions about the recognition.
“My husband passed away in March this year and his close friend, Dr Mustapha Alimi, also died in March last year. I am happy to witness this milestone anniversary despite the losses.
“Don’t say you have no business with Igbobi, because someone close to you might need the services of this hospital tomorrow. Let us all join hands to support the growth of Igbobi,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Dr Mustapha Alimi, a former Medical Director of the hospital, also received post-humous recognition as one of the pivotal pillars who transformed NOHIL.
Also speaking, Mr Tunde Bank-Anthony, who received the award on behalf of his late grandfather, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the institution.
He noted that his grandfather’s major infrastructural contributions to Igbobi spanned over 50 years ago, and he urged the government and well-meaning Nigerians to sustain that legacy of support.
NAN reports that the late Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony entirely financed and built the iconic 140-bed accident ward at the hospital to boost emergency healthcare delivery in Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Vivian Ihechu
