Sunday Owoyemi Donates 20-Bed Intern Doctors’ Building, Ambulance to UNIMEDTH Akure

Gov. Aiyedatiwa commends philanthropist, highlights health sector strides

The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, August 29, 2025, commissioned a 20-bed, one-storey building for house officers (intern doctors) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTH), Akure.

The facility, alongside a fully equipped ambulance, was built and donated by businessman and philanthropist, Chief Sunday Owoyemi, popularly known as Sunny Owo.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the donation as a milestone contribution to the state’s healthcare development, noting that it reflects the spirit of partnership and collective responsibility.

“This project speaks eloquently to the spirit of philanthropy and partnership, which aligns with our OUR EASE Agenda—especially in strengthening healthcare delivery and socio-economic welfare for the people of Ondo State,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare access. He cited the State Contributory Health Commission, the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which has benefitted over 56,394 residents with 19,047 safe deliveries, and the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS), currently serving more than 105,000 enrollees.

He also highlighted the revitalization of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA), approval for the reactivation of the Emergency Call Centre in Ondo, and procurement of new ambulances.

On infrastructure, Aiyedatiwa revealed that the 250-bed hospital complex at UNIMEDTH Akure is 93% complete, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, describing it as a development that will transform healthcare delivery in the state.

The governor stressed the significance of Owoyemi’s donation in addressing the challenge of medical brain drain:

“This building will boost the welfare, morale, and productivity of our young doctors. At a time when Nigeria grapples with the japa syndrome, this is a deliberate effort to retain talent and reassure medical personnel that Ondo State is a place to serve with pride.”

In his remarks, Chief Owoyemi urged other well-meaning Nigerians to support government efforts in improving healthcare delivery, stressing that wealth is transient but impactful investments in humanity endure.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his sustained support to the health sector and lauded Owoyemi for his exemplary gesture.