In a landmark event that promises to redefine healthcare delivery in Nigeria and West Africa, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) on Saturday officially commissioned the Wole Olanipekun Physiotherapy Centre (WOPC).
The state-of-the-art facility, hailed as the best of its kind in the sub-region, was described by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as "a gift of true giving, a legacy built not for applause but for healing and hope."
The modern marvel, named in honour of the esteemed legal luminary and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), stands as a profound testament to his enduring commitment to service, education, and nation-building.
It was conceived and generously donated by his son, Bode Olanipekun (SAN), and his wife, Mrs Tolu Olanipekun, as a heartfelt tribute to Chief Olanipekun.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, serving as the Special Guest of Honour, delivered a moving and often humorous speech, detailing the intricate and well-orchestrated plan to keep the project a complete surprise from Chief Olanipekun until just days before its unveiling.
He underscored the profound essence of true giving, emphasising that the deepest satisfaction comes from anonymous altruism.
"There is no better satisfaction than when you give back to society and the beneficiaries do not even know who gave it.
That is the real essence of giving,” Sanwo-Olu declared to resounding applause, highlighting the selfless spirit behind the magnificent donation.
The Governor lauded the Olanipekun family for their foresight and investment in health, recognising it as a critical pillar of Nigeria's developmental agenda.
"What Bode and Tolu have done is not just a structure. It is a statement. It’s a challenge to all of us, to use our little space to give back,” he asserted, inspiring others to emulate the philanthropic gesture.
Governor Sanwo-Olu humorously pledged his own commitment to further contributions to the University of Lagos, lamenting that the Olanipekuns' exceptional generosity had now placed him "on a race" to match their significant impact.
What began as a modest idea in February 2024 has swiftly blossomed into a world-class physiotherapy centre, now proudly regarded as the pinnacle of physiotherapy facilities in Nigeria and the broader West African region.
Professor W.L. Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, articulated the centre's pivotal role in the hospital's ambitious vision to evolve into a truly 21st-century healthcare institution.
“About two years ago, Bode and Tolu approached us with this proposal. We had no idea it would be this massive. It has surpassed all expectations.
“Their attention to detail and insistence on quality delayed the project, but also elevated it,” Professor Adeyemo explained, acknowledging the unwavering commitment to excellence that defined the project.”
He elaborated on the centre's exceptional features, which include top-tier medical equipment, sophisticated architectural design, and a patient-centric philosophy focused on comfort, accessibility, and cutting-edge therapeutic techniques.
Architect Jimi Adetona, the lead project consultant, provided a technical breakdown of the facility, describing it as a "modern marvel."
The impressive three-floor edifice boasts 28 treatment cubicles, a dedicated hydrotherapy pool, separate adult and paediatric gyms, luxurious VIP treatment rooms, comfortable intern and staff lounges, and a spacious seminar and training room capable of seating 60 people.
Furthermore, the centre incorporates a solar-powered backup system and advanced fire safety and accessibility features, ensuring a secure and efficient environment.
“This building is more than concrete and steel. It is a statement of vision, a testament to what collaboration can achieve,” Adetona stated, crediting the diverse team of engineers, contractors, and departments whose collective efforts brought the ambitious idea to fruition.
In his remarks, Bode Olanipekun (SAN), managing partner of Wole Olanipekun & Co., expressed profound gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support.
He recounted the Governor's immediate and unreserved commitment: “When I told him about the project, he said, ‘Bode, any day you pick, just let me know.’ No letter. No formality.” Bode concluded with a heartfelt blessing for the Governor, "May your race never decline or decrease, sir.”
The event reached an emotional crescendo when Chief Wole Olanipekun himself addressed the captivated audience.
Visibly moved, he shared a touching personal anecdote about his children, all of whom pursued careers in law without any direct prompting from him. “I never told any of them to read law.
“Perhaps they saw something in me and decided to follow,” he mused, a testament to the powerful influence of parental example.
Chief Olanipekun conveyed his immense delight at the thoughtful initiative that inspired the project and the profound positive impact it is destined to have on countless lives and humanity.
Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, conveyed the university's deep gratitude for the new facility, pledging to maximise its utilisation for the benefit of both students and patients.
“This is a game-changer. You have not just built a centre; you have written history,” she declared.
Highlighting the University of Lagos's commitment to innovation and diversity, she proudly stated, "And yes, I’m a ‘she’, running one of the biggest universities in Nigeria, so the future is balanced,” underscoring the institution's leadership in promoting gender equality.
Professor Ogunsola also revealed the university's ongoing preparations for an anticipated expansion in student numbers, with continuous facility upgrades aligning with the federal government's broader agenda for educational advancement.
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of The News Accelerator Network.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please get in touch with us at
📧 thenewsaccelerat
ornetwork@gmail.com
📞 0805 101 7159, 0814 404 8512.
Post a Comment