Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged stakeholders to join forces in revitalising Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system

He emphasised the necessity for increased involvement from Nigerians, including foundations and private sector players, to collaborate with the government. Shettima’s appeal highlights the urgency for a Nigeria healthcare revival.

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima has made a strong call for collective action to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector. He stressed the importance of synergy between the public and private sectors, urging Nigerians to contribute to the sector’s development.

Speaking at the commissioning of the new Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu, Ogun State, Shettima said, “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 trauma centre, donated by Sulaiman Adegunwa through his foundation, was commissioned to mark his 80th birthday. Shettima praised Adegunwa’s generosity and called on other Nigerians to emulate his example.

He highlighted the critical need for trauma centres in rapidly urbanising areas, stating, “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 emphasised that the new facility aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving healthcare, particularly for trauma and accident victims.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun echoed Shettima’s sentiments, highlighting the centre’s significance given its proximity to major expressways. He stated that it will ensure prompt medical attention for emergency cases, reinforcing his administration’s focus on accessible and quality healthcare.

Donor Sulaiman Adegunwa explained that his motivation stemmed from the successful utilisation of a previous donation to the hospital. He detailed the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, including surgical suites, an intensive care unit, and advanced imaging technology, designed to provide comprehensive trauma care.

The 50-bed trauma centre is equipped with an elevator, three surgical suites, a modern ICU, advanced imaging technology, resuscitation bays, and a High Dependency Unit.