FIC Report (Ekiti State) – The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, says the NewCruse Mother and Child Maternity Complex donated by legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, in Ikere-Ekiti will significantly contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria.
Pate spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning and handover of the ultramodern facility to the Ekiti State Government at the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti.
Represented by Prof. Kolawole Ogundipe, CMD of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, the Minister described the project as a symbol of compassion, patriotism, and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially women and children.
He said the donation aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child healthcare and improving access to quality medical care nationwide.
Pate praised Olanipekun for his extraordinary philanthropy through the Wole Olanipekun Foundation, noting consistent investments in education, healthcare, and community development. He urged affluent Nigerians, corporate bodies, and development partners to emulate the gesture by supporting health infrastructure and community health initiatives.
“Maternal and child health remains one of the critical priorities of this administration,” Pate said. “We continue to strengthen healthcare delivery to ensure every pregnant woman has access to quality antenatal care, safe delivery services, emergency obstetric care, immunization, nutrition support, and comprehensive care for newborns and children.”
He added that the Ministry tracks maternal and under-5 morbidity and mortality in BHCPF facilities nationwide to address root causes.
“This Mother and Child Complex represents a significant contribution to these objectives. It will expand access, improve outcomes, reduce avoidable deaths, and provide a dignified environment for patients and health workers”, he said.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the project as “philanthropy at its best,” saying the NewCruse complex represents the revolution Nigeria needs. He praised Olanipekun and his family for the intervention, adding that its impact would extend beyond Ekiti State.
Commissioning the project, former Osun Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Bisi Akande said Olanipekun’s greatness transcends titles, wealth, and professional feats. He noted the legal icon’s investments in churches, libraries, schools, and now healthcare, calling the complex an enduring investment in humanity.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described Olanipekun as “a specially created blessing to humanity.” He urged universities to research elder statesmen whose lives exemplify leadership, professionalism, and philanthropy.
In his remarks, Olanipekun said true leadership is not what leaders take from society but what they give back. He urged Ikere-Ekiti residents and leaders to work collectively for community progress, while expressing concern over growing apathy toward development efforts.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji hailed Olanipekun as a benefactor, father figure, and one of Ekiti’s greatest ambassadors. He said the senior advocate’s success is meaningful because of his impact on humanity and consistent investment in his home state.
At Amoye Grammar School, Olanipekun also commissioned a new ICT digital centre to replace a 2007 facility damaged during road rehabilitation. He said the rebuilt hub is bigger, more resilient, and up to global standards, and urged old students’ associations to help revitalize public schools. AMOSA National President Dr. Martins Oluwadare Adeyemo said the centre supports 150 users but appealed for more laptops and solar power for uninterrupted operation.
Omotola Oluyemisi
AD (I&PR)
31/05/2026.
