Community efforts key to building better Nigeria – Gov Aiyedatiwa

………Commends Olanipekun’s maternity complex donation in Ekiti
. Akande, Oyebanji urge wealthy Nigerians to invest in communities

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that collective community efforts and active citizens’ participation remain critical to building a better Nigeria.

The governor stated this on Tuesday at the unveiling of the ultra-modern Newcruse Mother and Child Maternity Complex donated by the family of renowned legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Govenor Aiyedatiwa described the donation as an extraordinary act of generosity and a practical contribution to nation-building, stressing that Nigeria’s development cannot be left to government alone.

According to him, “The Nigeria of our dream will not be imported, it will be built here, in Ikere, in Ado-Ekiti, in Akure and in every community where one man or woman decides to support government’s efforts at nation-building.”

He noted that meaningful development would come when citizens in different professions contribute their quota to society through impactful interventions.

“This is the revolution we need in Nigeria, not the revolution of slogans and armchair criticisms, but the revolution of responsibility. A revolution where the lawyer builds clinics, where the trader funds schools, where the engineer fixes roads and where government becomes the enabler, not the sole actor,” he added.

The governor commended Chief Olanipekun and his family for building, equipping and donating the maternity complex, describing the gesture as a life-saving intervention and a shining example of selfless service to humanity.

He said the facility would not only benefit residents of Ekiti State but also improve healthcare delivery across neighbouring states, including Ondo State, through enhanced maternal and child healthcare services.

Aiyedatiwa also praised the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for creating an enabling environment that encourages notable indigenes of the state to contribute to development efforts.

He urged the management of the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, to ensure proper maintenance of the facility and uphold high standards in service delivery.

The Ondo governor further described Chief Olanipekun as a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to humanity transcend the legal profession, adding that his impact is now permanently etched in the healthcare history of the community.

He expressed hope that the donation would inspire other well-meaning Nigerians to invest in projects that positively impact lives and support government’s development efforts.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in his remarks, called on wealthy indigenes to ensure that success translates into tangible community impact, stressing that achievement without development raises moral questions.

He said success is only meaningful when it positively affects others, adding that individuals must ensure their footprints are visible in their communities.

Oyebanji commended Olanipekun’s contributions across Ekiti, including projects and donations in Ado-Ekiti, Ise and other communities, and urged other privileged citizens to emulate him, warning that some wealthy persons have no traceable impact in their localities.

He also highlighted his own philanthropic efforts through foundations, scholarships and community projects in Aramoko-Ekiti and Ikogosi, stressing that government alone cannot meet societal needs.

Chairman of the occasion and former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, described the event as practical patriotism, saying nation-building is defined by responsibility to humanity rather than wealth or position.

Akande said greatness is measured by lives impacted, not titles held, noting that Olanipekun has consistently demonstrated commitment to education, healthcare and social development.

He urged Nigerians, especially young people, to prioritise contribution over accumulation and focus on building institutions that serve society.

In his keynote address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, said maternal and child healthcare remains a top priority of the Federal Government, disclosing that N32.9bn had been approved for disbursement through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to over 8,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide.

He said the intervention covers essential services, emergency care, drugs and incentives for health workers, adding that government alone cannot meet Nigeria’s healthcare needs and called for stronger collaboration with private individuals, development partners and philanthropists.

Represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Prof Kolawole Ogundipe, he stressed the need for proper maintenance and community ownership to ensure sustainability of the facility.

In his welcome address, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the 35-bed facility includes private wards, neonatal unit, laboratory, pharmacy, borehole and alternative power supply, noting that it would strengthen maternal and child healthcare delivery.

He said the state government had also upgraded the main hospital, improving service delivery and patient utilisation across health facilities in the state.

In his goodwill message, Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Prof Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, representing Aare Afe Babalola, described the project as a major intervention in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.

On his part, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Olanipekun’s philanthropy and prayed for continued impact.

Also speaking, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, described Olanipekun as a “living legal legend” and urged that the hospital be upgraded into a teaching facility to improve training and services.

Dignitaries at the event included former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Ekiti State Governor, Engr Segun Oni; Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye; Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN); and other top government officials, traditional rulers and judges.