Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has praised the philanthropic gesture of Asiwaju Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR, Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, for donating a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu. The donation, which commemorates Adegunwa’s 80th birthday, aims to significantly enhance trauma healthcare services in the state.
The newly commissioned 50-bed facility, named the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre, was officially inaugurated by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, during a grand ceremony attended by top government officials and dignitaries.
Among those present were Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele, Minister of Health Dr. Iziaq Salako, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide, Commissioner for Health Dr. Tomi Coker, former Governors Chief Segun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel, traditional rulers, members of the OOUTH management, and several distinguished guests.
Governor Abiodun, while acknowledging the impact of the trauma centre, described Asiwaju Adegunwa as a man of continuous greatness. Quoting Shakespeare, he said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” noting that Adegunwa has not only achieved greatness but continues to demonstrate it through his unwavering support for the state’s healthcare system.
He added that the donation of the trauma centre was timely and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to improve Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. Abiodun emphasized that celebrating individuals like Asiwaju Adegunwa is essential, as it encourages more contributions to societal development.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima commended Adegunwa’s impactful life, lauding his role in job creation and economic development through his companies, Rite Foods Limited and Ess-Ay Holdings Limited. He said Adegunwa had “inscribed his name in gold” by leaving lasting legacies that will benefit generations.
The Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, expressed gratitude for the new facility, which replaces the previous 20-bed accident and emergency unit. She noted that OOUTH, located on a major transit route with a high accident rate, had long needed such a trauma centre. She described the centre as a comprehensive, well-equipped facility capable of managing around 2,000 trauma cases monthly.
According to her, the project fulfills a 20-year dream across several administrations, especially as there is no general hospital equipped to handle such emergencies between Lagos and Benin or Ibadan. “The relief this centre brings is immeasurable,” she stated.
In his response, Asiwaju Adegunwa thanked both Vice President Shettima and Governor Abiodun for their support and commended the hospital management for its commitment to utilizing the trauma centre effectively. “Today, I am filled with immense joy as I reflect on the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre as another opportunity to answer a higher calling—to give and to serve,” he said.