The pioneer District Governor of the new Rotary District 9111, Rtn. Dr. Wole Kukoyi on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 laid the foundation stone for District 9111 Sickle Cell Disease Centre in the State Hospital, Ota in Ogun state alongside the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coke who was ably represented by Mrs Nike Elemide, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health.
DG Kukoyi who was accompanied by his spouse, Rev. Mrs Olusola described the project as a very significant project being the first and major project for the district this Rotary year.
On why that choice of project, DG Kukoyi said, “Sickle Cell is a very common disease and it is expected that 6 million Nigerians are suffering from the disease and that is a lot of burden. Beyond that, I have been in this profession for quite a while and I have seen at close quarters the huge burden that sickle cell inflicts on the patients, parents, carers, and guardians.
“Everybody that have associated with managing sickle cell patients will realize the great burden that this is and it’s a disease that can be prevented. A significant part of the activities of this centre would be advocacy, counseling and beyond this in the nearest future, some form of research will also be carried out in the area of sickle cell”, he said.
“So we would realize that this is a very worthy project and in Rotary. This is a project that is very dear to our hearts because Rotary is about impacting humanity. It is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus- Disease Prevention and Treatment.”
The District Governor went ahead to pledge commitment to the renovation of one of the buildings behind the project site within the hospital premises, revealing that the building was the first house he stayed in while with the hospital as far back as 1982.
Mrs Nike Elemide, while giving her appreciation remarks commended the club for all the laudable projects carried out by the club in the state, “The State Hospital has enjoyed a lot of activities and donations from Rotary Club and we really appreciate the good works”,
The National Director of the Sickle Cell, Lagos, Dr. Akinsete Alex who was represented by Dr. Caleb Audu commended the Rotary club saying, “Rotary Club is doing an amazing phenomenal work when it comes to pushing the frontiers of health solution in Nigeria.
“When we look at the country so far, sickle cell as it is, is a national emergency. This project is an answer to questions and a solution to problems”, he said.
Dr. Taofeek Somade, Medical Director, State Hospital, Ota could not contain his joy in his appreciation remarks, “If your joys are put together, it won’t measure up to mine. I am the happiest man here today and the reasons are obvious. The project for which we are here today is an answer to a need, that is why I am happy. I am happy because what seemed like a dream is coming to reality”, he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Rtn. Dr. Tayo Lawal, DGE Henry Akinyele, DGN Olatunji Olaleye from District 1145, UK, district leaders, committee members and other Rotarians were also present.
