Abuja: Rotary Club and several partners have made a significant contribution to Apata General Hospital in Ibadan by donating surgical equipment and other essential medical items.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the donors involved in this initiative include the Rotary Club of Mende Midtown, Rotary Club of Ibadan Ring Road, Rotary Club of Ibadan City Central, Rotary Club of Ibadan Pathfinder, Idagba Empowerment Foundation, and Mutayo Support Initiative. The group also donated a delivery couch, wheelchair, treated mosquito nets, and facilitated repairs of the hospital ward windows.
During the event, Rotary District Governor Mr. Olaniyi Okin highlighted that Rotary, as a structured organization, focuses on seven key areas, with maternal and child health being a major priority. Represented by his Chief of Staff Mr. Adeniyi Adeoti, Okin pointed out the underfunding and strain faced by public institutions in Nigeria due to insufficient governmental attention. He emphasized that the government’s efforts alone are not enough to meet the infrastructure needs of such institutions and that private sector support is crucial.
Okin remarked that the condition of Apata General Hospital indicated that one-time assistance wouldn’t suffice to solve its challenges. He reassured the hospital’s management of Rotary Club’s ongoing support and commitment to addressing some of the hospital’s issues. Furthermore, he stated that Rotary Club Nigeria has directed its clubs nationwide to embark on projects within their focus areas, especially those enhancing the health and safety of pregnant women and their unborn children.
Founder of Idagba Empowerment Foundation, Mr. Oluwatosin Ogunsile, spoke about a previous visit to the hospital by Rotarians, which revealed the need for support. He urged private individuals and organizations to collaborate in rehabilitating the hospital and other public infrastructures across Nigeria. Ogunsile emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in supporting and complementing governmental efforts, drawing parallels to universities and hospitals abroad that thrive through private generosity.
Mr. Michael Ayoade, CEO of Mutayo Support Initiative, reiterated the commitment of Rotary Club and its partners to continue their support for the hospital. He highlighted the necessity for significant investment and support in improving the hospital’s infrastructure and equipment, acknowledging the challenging conditions faced by the facility.
Dr. Sakirat Olayinka, the hospital’s Medical Director, expressed gratitude to the donors, stating that their intervention would significantly enhance service delivery to patients.