- Governor Aiyedatiwa Commends Philanthropist, Reels Out Health Sector Achievements
By Our Reporter
The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTH), Akure, received a major boost on Friday, August 29, 2025, as businessman and philanthropist, Chief Sunday Owoyemi (popularly known as Sunny Owo), donated a fully furnished 20-bed, one-storey building for house officers (intern doctors) as well as an ambulance to the hospital.
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, commissioned the facility at a colourful ceremony attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and medical stakeholders.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa hailed the gesture as a significant milestone in the quest to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state, describing it as a practical demonstration of partnership, philanthropy, and collective responsibility.
> “This project speaks eloquently to the spirit of partnership, philanthropy and collective responsibility which aligns perfectly with the OUR EASE agenda of our administration, especially in strengthening efficient healthcare and socio-economic welfare for the good people of Ondo State,” the governor said.
The governor, who used the occasion to reel out his administration’s strides in the health sector, highlighted the expansion of the State Contributory Health Commission, the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme (with over 56,000 beneficiaries and 19,047 safe deliveries), as well as the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS), which has catered to more than 105,000 enrollees.
On emergency care, Aiyedatiwa announced the revitalization of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency, reactivation of the Emergency Call Centre in Ondo, and procurement of additional ambulances. He also disclosed that the 250-bed hospital complex at UNIMEDTH Akure is 93% completed.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the FUTA Teaching Hospital, the governor described it as a transformative project that would revolutionize healthcare delivery and medical training in the region.
Addressing the challenge of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the new intern doctors’ building would help improve the welfare, morale, and productivity of young doctors.
> “This is a deliberate effort to retain talent, attract new professionals and reassure our medical personnel that Ondo State is a place to serve with pride,” he added.
Chief Owoyemi, in his remarks, said the donation was borne out of his conviction that wealth should be used to serve humanity.
> “Philanthropy is a duty. Wealth is transient, and we must use what God has given us to touch lives. I urge other well-meaning individuals to support government’s efforts in improving healthcare delivery,” Owoyemi said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, praised the governor for prioritizing the recruitment of critical health personnel, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Simidele Odimayo, described Owoyemi’s intervention as “remarkable,” especially with the additional donation of an ambulance.
The event was attended by top dignitaries including the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Odundun II, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, and Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, among others.
With the donation, UNIMEDTH Akure now has a modern accommodation facility for its young doctors—one that stakeholders believe will strengthen the teaching hospital’s capacity, boost morale, and improve service delivery to residents of Ondo State.
