The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He gave the assurance during the inauguration and handover of three ultra-modern orthopaedic wards at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos.
The Minister called on corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with government in revitalising the nation’s health sector to achieve improved health outcomes.
The ceremony was marked by excitement and relief among patients, hospital staff, and residents of the host community in Shomolu, as the upgraded facilities with over a hundred bed capacity were unveiled.
A documentary presented at the event highlighted the hospital’s previous state—dilapidated structures, broken beds and stretchers, burnt electrical fittings, and unsanitary conditions—before its transformation into a modern facility equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Represented by the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, Dr. Saheed Ogunme, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to the NNPC Foundation for upgrading the wards to world-class standards.
He noted that inadequate funding remains a major challenge in the health sector and described the intervention as timely and commendable.q
Dr. Ogunme urged other corporate organisations and affluent individuals to collaborate with government in strengthening healthcare delivery.
He also appealed to the NNPC Foundation to extend its support to other critical areas within the hospital, as well as to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta.
“I believe we can all agree that the times we are in present critical challenges that demand thoughtful and decisive action,” he said. “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains fully committed to improving the health and well-being of all Nigerians through ongoing initiatives.”
In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Adedapo Segun, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to making meaningful social impact.
He noted that through the NNPC Foundation, the company continues to invest in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment across the country.
“We measure success not only by production but by the impact on lives. We are committed to measurable outcomes, and social value is critical to us,” he said, urging stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Limited, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, noting that its interventions are aligned with global sustainability goals and aimed at promoting inclusive development.
The Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, expressed delight at the completion of the project, describing the hospital as a historic and strategic institution serving Nigeria and beyond.
“We intervened because of the poor condition we met. Accident victims are already traumatised, and a poor hospital environment worsens their condition. We are committed to improving healthcare for Nigerians,” she said.
The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, described the facility as one of Africa’s largest orthopaedic centres, established in 1945 to treat wounded soldiers during the World War II.
He noted that the rehabilitation would significantly improve patient care and staff morale, while calling for sustained partnerships to further strengthen the institution.
Royal Father of the Shomolu Kingdom, Oba Habib Adekunle Bashua, represented by Chief Remi Yunusa, commended NNPC Limited and its foundation for the intervention, pledging the community’s support in maintaining the facility.
The highlight of the event was a guided tour of the wards, where attendees admired modern features including solar-powered fans for each bed space, improved lighting systems, and upgraded treatment areas.
The National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, one of the oldest healthcare institutions in Nigeria, has evolved into a major referral centre, serving thousands of patients annually from across the country and beyond.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh