Relevant stakeholders in the country on Tuesday stormed Ekiti State to discuss healthcare development and its significance to humanity.
This came as legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), unveiled the New Cruse Mother and Child Maternity Complex in Ikere-Ekiti.
The stakeholders comprised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; South-West governors; and other prominent Nigerians, who showered encomiums on Olanipekun for donating an ultramodern maternity complex to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti. The gesture was described as a landmark contribution to healthcare delivery and nation-building.
The donor, Olanipekun, used the occasion to call on well-meaning individuals both at home and in the diaspora to invest in the country for positive impact.
The legal icon also commissioned a new ICT digital centre, which he said replaced an earlier ICT facility he provided in 2007 that was partially damaged during the rehabilitation of the Akure–Ikere–Ado Road. He added that the rebuilt hub was larger, more resilient, and built to global standards.
Commissioning the project, former Governor of Osun State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, described Olanipekun as a man whose greatness transcends titles, wealth, and professional accomplishments.
Akande said the legal luminary had distinguished himself not only in the legal profession but also in service to humanity and community development.
He noted that Olanipekun had over the years invested in churches, libraries, educational facilities, and now healthcare infrastructure, stressing that the maternity complex would remain an enduring investment in humanity.
“Patriotism is not merely about political positions or public acclaim. It is about responsibility to humanity. It is about remembering where one comes from. It is about understanding that success becomes meaningful only when it improves the lives of others.
“This clinic is not merely a building; it is hope for the sick, dignity for the vulnerable, reassurance for families, and proof that nation-building can begin from one institution, one community, and one patriotic citizen.”
The facility, known as the New Cruse Mother and Child Maternity Complex, was officially handed over to the Ekiti State Government after commissioning.
Speaking at the ceremony, Muhammad Ali Pate described the project as a symbol of compassion, patriotism, and shared responsibility towards the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially women and children.
Pate, represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Professor Kolawole Ogundipe, said the donation aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare across the country.
According to him, the facility represents a significant contribution to national objectives of reducing maternal and child mortality and improving access to quality healthcare services.
He commended Olanipekun for the philanthropic gesture, noting that the senior lawyer had consistently invested in education, healthcare, and community development through the Wole Olanipekun Foundation.
Pate also called on wealthy Nigerians, corporate organisations, and development partners to emulate the gesture by supporting healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment procurement, and community health initiatives.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the project as “philanthropy at its best,” saying the New Cruse Mother and Child Complex represents the revolution Nigeria needs.
He praised Olanipekun and his family for the intervention in healthcare delivery, adding that the project would have a lasting impact beyond Ekiti State.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also poured royal blessings on Olanipekun and extolled his contributions to humanity and national development, describing the senior advocate as a special breed and a blessing to humanity.
He said there was a need for Nigerian universities and scholars to undertake extensive research on elder statesmen like Olanipekun whose lives exemplify leadership, professionalism, and philanthropy.
In his remarks, Olanipekun stressed the importance of sacrifice and service in leadership, saying true leadership is not about what leaders take from society but what they give back.
He also expressed concern over growing apathy among community stakeholders towards collective development efforts, urging residents to become more actively involved in advancing Ikere-Ekiti.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, described the legal luminary as a benefactor, father figure, and one of the greatest ambassadors of the state.
According to him, Olanipekun’s impact is visible across Ekiti State and beyond.
“When the fullness of time comes and we stand before our Maker, and He asks us what we did with all the blessings He gave us, what will we say?” Oyebanji added.
