By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday commended Avon Medical for its unwavering dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure, with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art 50-bed medical facility in Surulere, Lagos.
Speaking at the official launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the development as an exemplary display of what the private sector’s vision, passion, and long-term investment can achieve within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“In 16 years, Avon Medical has not been content to remain stagnant,” the governor said. “Instead, they decided to make a difference with their profession, time, and resources. Avon Medical has etched its name in history, not just in Lagos, but across Nigeria.”
He also praised Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Medical, for her leadership and contribution to the healthcare sector, while acknowledging Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, for his broader contributions to national development, particularly his support for the healthcare ecosystem.
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that while the government plays a critical role, it cannot bear the full responsibility for providing quality healthcare services. “Governments cannot provide everything for everyone. However, it is the government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment for private equity and investment,” he said.
The governor stressed the importance of “patient investment” in healthcare, stressing that the sector requires a long-term commitment and purposeful impact rather than immediate financial returns.
“It’s not about expecting returns within six or twelve months,” he noted.
The newly launched Avon Medical facility features a comprehensive diagnostic centre, obstetrics and gynaecology services, paediatrics, neonatal care, and a 50-bed capacity multi-specialty model, all of which the governor commended for setting a new standard in private healthcare delivery.
Sanwo-Olu also listed ongoing projects that aim to improve healthcare in the state, including the commissioning of multiple Mother and Child Centres in Badagry, Eti-Osa, Epe, and Alimosho, the construction of a tertiary medical facility in Ojo, and the development of Africa’s largest paediatric hospital near the Third Mainland Bridge.
“We are also building the largest mental health facility in Sub-Saharan Africa in Ketuerio, which will accommodate over 1,000 patients,” he added.
Addressing the issue of brain drain among medical professionals, Sanwo-Olu urged young Nigerians to reconsider the “Japa” trend. “It’s challenging, but don’t give up on us. Japa is not the solution—building our own healthcare institutions is the solution,” he urged.
He reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to maintaining health investments, promising that “not less than 8 to 10 percent” of the state’s annual budget would be allocated to healthcare.
The governor called on private investors and banks to diversify into the medical sector, saying, “Not everything should go into tech or real estate. Let medical real estate become your legacy. When you grow old, let there be a facility you built where you would want to be treated.”
The event was attended by key health and investment stakeholders, including Professor Ali Pate, CMD of LUTH, senior Lagos State health officials, and other industry players, all of whom praised the collaborative public-private partnership model for advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
