The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) has reactivated its Renal Replacement Programme as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. John Okeniyi, disclosed this at the grand finale of the hospital’s golden jubilee celebration held at Ile-Ife, Osun state, on Thursday.

The anniversary had “Honouring the Past, Engaging the Present and Shaping the Future” as theme.

Okeniyi said that the initiative was aimed at restoring affordable dialysis services in Ile-Ife and restarting kidney transplantation to improve access to specialised healthcare.

He explained that the hospital, established in 1975, attended to 187,037 patients in 2025, providing tertiary, secondary and primary healthcare services to residents of Osun and neighbouring states.

According to him, OAUTHC performed Nigeria’s first fully indigenous kidney transplant in a public hospital in 2002 and established the country’s first tissue-typing laboratory in 2004.

The CMD added that the renal programme was receiving renewed support through donations, including the Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis Centre at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.

According to him, the facility was donated in July 2025 by ‘His Love Foundation’ of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

He further said that friends of the hospital in Canada and the United States had donated 15 additional dialysis machines, while the old renal unit in Ile-Ife had been renovated, adding that personnel were undergoing specialised training.

Okeniyi assured that the hospital would provide affordable dialysis services to all patients, including those living with HIV and hepatitis, without discrimination.

He urged individuals and organisations to support the hospital by sponsoring patients’ dialysis treatment, training nephrologists and assisting in completing ongoing projects.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Prof. Macellina Ijadunola, appreciated the management, staff, retirees, former CMDs and Heads of Departments for their contributions to the institution.

Ijadunola described OAUTHC as a hospital of excellence and highlighted activities organised to commemorate the anniversary, including a health walk, health talks and football competition among others.

Also, the Chairman of the Day, Chief John Odeyemi, commended the establishment of OAUTHC in Ile-Ife, noting that its services had benefited people from within and outside the community

While commending the CMD for utilising the hospital’s funds appropriately, he applauded the contributions of doctors, nurses, consultants, surgeons and administrator.

Odeyemi said that the institution had produced competent professionals working in various hospitals, even abroad.

He pledged continued support towards the development and equipping of the hospital for effective service delivery.

The Special Guest of Honour, Mr Seyi Tinubu, called for improved healthcare delivery, accountability and sustainable investment in Nigeria’s health sector.

Tinubu, represented by Alhaji Lawal Isiyaku, Chairman, Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu-Shettima Continuity 2027, highlighted some achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector.

He stressed the need for adequate funding, modern healthcare infrastructure and improved welfare of health professionals through better remuneration, professional development, safe working conditions and incentives for those serving in underserved communities.

Tinubu also advocated for stronger maternal and newborn healthcare services, effective referral systems and preventive healthcare programmes.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished recipients.

The award recipients included Dr John Odeyemi, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Mr Matthew Gbonjubola, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, Mr Olakanmi Sarumi, and Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife.(NAN)

Edited by Folasade Akpan