The Federal Government has commended former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), for his sustained investments in education, healthcare, and community development across Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, gave the commendation on Tuesday during the inauguration of the NewCruse Mother and Child Maternity Complex in Ikere-Ekiti.
The facility, donated by Olanipekun to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare delivery and reduce preventable deaths in the state.
Dr Pate, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Prof Kolawole Ogundipe, said the project aligns with national efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services.
“This complex will expand access, improve outcomes, reduce avoidable deaths and provide a more dignified environment for patients and staff,” he said.
He urged other affluent Nigerians and organisations to emulate Olanipekun’s philanthropic commitment to national development.
“Maternal and child health remains a critical priority for this administration. We are working to ensure every pregnant woman has access to antenatal care, safe delivery, emergency obstetric care, immunisation, and nutrition support,” Pate added.
The 35-bed facility features three general wards, private wards, consulting rooms, ultrasound rooms, two theatre suites, labour rooms, a neonatal intensive care unit, doctors’ call rooms, a recovery room, and a staff lounge.
It is fully equipped with modern medical infrastructure including operating tables, neonatal monitors, incubators, oxygen concentrators, and specialised surgical equipment.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described the project as a significant contribution to healthcare development, noting that it reflects Olanipekun’s commitment to his community and humanity.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also praised the initiative, describing it as an example of how private individuals can complement government efforts in delivering essential services.
Former Senate President, Chief Bisi Akande, who inaugurated the facility, said Olanipekun’s legacy is defined by his impact on human lives rather than public office alone.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, along with other traditional rulers and dignitaries, also commended the project, describing it as a world-class intervention in maternal healthcare.
In his remarks, Olanipekun said the initiative was driven by the need to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve access to quality healthcare in Nigeria.
“This Mother and Child Maternity Complex is a modest extension of my family’s contributions to strengthening the healthcare delivery system in our country,” he said.
He added that the facility was built and equipped to global standards to ensure efficient and modern service delivery.
Other dignitaries at the event included senators, religious leaders, and senior government officials, who all lauded the project as a model for private-sector-driven development.
