A Royal Connection

Music flowed through me from my maternal background, particularly drumming, which the royal family of Oba Toyese Laoye was known for. I’d accompany my maternal grandfather to the palace, where I’d witness the king communicate with his traditional talking drum, amazing tourists and expatriates.

As I reflect on these memories, I’m reminded of the importance of honouring our heritage and showing compassion to others.

Ileya Celebrations

On Ileya day, our compound, “Ile Agunyan-masesu,” would host numerous rams being slaughtered. Baba Molaoye, my great-grandfather, would ride in the king’s luxurious car, a symbol of honour and respect. The car would be positioned at our compound, and he’d be escorted to the Yidi prayer ground with royal pomp and pageantry.

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A Kingdom of Heaven Attitude

What strikes me is the contrast between our traditional values and today’s practices during religious festivals. Instead of honouring fallen heroes of faith, we seem to prioritize commercial gain. Prices skyrocket, and commoners struggle. I recall Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s initiative to provide free train rides during festivals, showing genuine care for the populace.

Reflections

As I reflect on these memories, I’m reminded of the importance of honouring our heritage and showing compassion to others. The Agunyan-masesu tradition of generosity and community spirit is worth emulating.

Just thinking aloud.

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Lagos Medipark, which is a Private-Public Partnership, PPP, legacy project facilitated by Iwosan Investments Ltd and IASO Medipark Ltd in partnership with the Lagos State government, is located on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

The project is a 140-bed multi-specialist hospital with a state-of-the-art diagnostics center, residential accommodations for healthcare professionals, and training facilities to develop a skilled healthcare workforce, as well as commercial and retail spaces dedicated to medical services.

The project, which is expected to be delivered in the next two years, would reduce medical tourism, provide world-class clinical care, and deliver solutions to critical health challenges.

Speaking during the groundbreaking of the world-class specialist hospital in Ikoyi, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who praised investors, industry leaders and experts for taking a bold step to partner with the Lagos State Government to build the Medipark, said his administration will ensure that everything needed for the success of the project will be provided.

He said: “This cutting-edge medical complex is envisioned to provide world-class clinical care, advance research and innovation, and deliver solutions to critical health challenges. It will be a beacon of hope—a place where medical excellence meets compassionate care.

“The Lagos Medipark aligns seamlessly with our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, particularly under the ‘Health and Environment’ pillar. It symbolises our determination to create a healthcare system that meets global standards and responds effectively to the diverse needs of our dynamic population.

“As we break ground, I urge all stakeholders—private sector partners, healthcare professionals, and citizens alike—to join hands with us in bringing this vision to life by reaffirming our collective commitment to ensuring that the Lagos Medipark becomes a lasting legacy for generations to come.

“My charge to all of us here today is to see that in two years time we are back here to commission Phase One of the Lagos Medipark. And that is what will also gladden me as your Governor. But more importantly is to see the Greater Lagos agenda that we are trying to birth. I want you all to work with us and see us as willing partners.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that his administration was already building the largest paediatric hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa, Massey Hospital in Lagos Island, and the largest mental health facility in Ketu-Ejirin, as well as various infrastructures in different parts of the state to meet the needs of the people of Lagos.

In his address, the Chairman of Iwosan Investment Ltd, Mr. Fola Adeola, said the Lagos Medipark represents not just an investment in infrastructure but a bold step toward equitable access to quality healthcare.

He said: “Lagos Medipark is a symbol of what is possible when visionary leadership and purposeful collaboration converge. This initiative reflects the essence of a Public-Private Partnership done right.

“We are not just building a hospital; we are creating a community—a hub where innovation meets compassion, where health and well-being are prioritised, and where lives are transformed.

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“The vision is multifaceted: reducing medical tourism, equipping our healthcare workforce with world-class training, and creating an environment that nurtures both patients and professionals. These goals align seamlessly with our broader mission of not just healing but empowering—empowering our citizens to live healthier lives and our healthcare sector to lead on the continent and beyond.

“To the people of Lagos and Nigeria at large: this is for you. It is a pledge to your health, your future, and the enduring promise of progress. Let us proceed with determination, knowing that what we starts today will serve generations to come. Together, we are transforming healthcare, one groundbreaking initiative at a time.”

Also speaking, the CEO of Iwosan Investments and IASO Medipark SPV, Mrs. Fola Laoye, said the partners were committed to delivering a world-class addition to the healthcare fabric and infrastructure of Lagos State.

Laoye commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Executive Council and the Office of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for having the vision for the Medipark project.

She said: “The government of Lagos State has been visionary in conceptualising a first-of-its-kind Medical Park powered by a first-of-its-kind Public-Private Partnership right here on this ground, which has such a strong legacy of people healing people (then being nurses)!

“It is noteworthy that while this (Medipark) is privately funded, built and operated, 20 per cent of the hospital beds are reserved for the indigent population of Lagos State, access to which is made possible by the State Government.

“Another key requirement by Lagos State is the contribution to medical and nursing skills development, as well as significant job creation, of up to 1,000 jobs that will be right here on this campus.”

The Co-Founder of Radical Technology Nigeria Limited and CEO of Africonsult Engineers, one of the promoters of the Lagos MediPark project, Tatiana Moussalli Nouri, said the consortium was a community of individuals who are deeply passionate about making a difference in the health care space.

“Our goal has always been to create a lasting impact in Lagos, to contribute to the development of our beloved state, and to provide world-class healthcare solutions for all.

“This is our story, and this is our journey. And today, as we take this significant step forward, we look forward to continuing this journey with Lagos State and all our great partners,” she said.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on PPP, Mrs. Bukola Odoe, and other speakers from the private sectors expressed commitment to the completion of the Lagos Medipark Hospital.

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In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Aseyin coronation will be on December 14, 2023 while that of Soun will be on December 19, 2023.

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The state government has set up a coronation committee headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Segun Olayiwola; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Retired Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya, as members of the committee.

The committee has been holding meetings with coronation committees from the two palaces over the past few weeks and had undertaken inspections of the venues for the events.

“All is now set for the big events”, the government representatives said.

“The state government hereby seizes this opportunity to enjoin members of the public to show full support for the success of the events.”

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