The Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, has received a major boost to its emergency response capacity with the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre, a N1.5 billion facility donated by philanthropist and industrialist, Dr. Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa.
The trauma centre, completed in less than a year, is expected to serve as a regional referral hub for trauma care and significantly reduce preventable deaths across Ogun State and surrounding areas.
Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony to mark the donor’s 80th birthday, the Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, described the facility as a long-awaited intervention that will address the overwhelming burden of trauma cases at the tertiary hospital.
She noted that the hospital’s existing 20-bed accident and emergency unit was grossly insufficient as over 2,000 trauma cases are presented at the hospital monthly.
“We receive about 2,000 trauma cases every month; ranging from minor injuries to severe head traumas. This new 50-bed trauma centre is a dream come true,” she said.
Fatungase noted that the new four-floor complex features advanced diagnostic facilities including MRI, CT scan, and X-ray machines in the basement.
The ground floor houses a resuscitation room, triage area, reception, and seminar room, while the upper floors contain three specialized operating theatres for cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and general orthopedic trauma.
“This centre is solely for trauma cases. It’s heartbreaking when we have to turn away accident victims due to lack of space. But with this facility, patients will receive full-spectrum care without delay,” she added.
Fatungase also stressed the importance of immediate treatment for accident victims, stating that private partnerships and existing government provisions will ensure patients receive urgent care even before families arrive.
In his remarks, Adegunwa the donor recalled his deep connection with the institution, which dates back over 30 years. He previously donated an Audio-Visual Centre to OOUTH in 1995 and was inspired to do more after learning of the hospital’s urgent need for a trauma facility.
“This trauma centre is a reflection of my belief that giving is a higher calling and it is my prayer that this centre will become a sanctuary of healing and hope for accident victims and their families,” he said.
He stated that the facility includes not just high-end equipment and surgical suites, but also a modern ICU, a High Dependency Unit (HDU), and resuscitation bays for immediate intervention.
The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the commissioning described the trauma centre as a significant milestone in the state’s journey to reposition its health sector.
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He noted that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Sagamu-Benin corridor, which pass through the region, are hotspots for road traffic accidents, making the facility a timely and vital intervention.
He praised Adegunwa for his unwavering commitment to human development through healthcare, education, and philanthropy, calling him a role model for future generations.
“As a state, we are proud to host this exceptional man and this world-class facility. It will save lives, reduce disability, and boost our emergency preparedness,” he added.
