The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, has emphasised the need for strong collaboration between the government and stakeholders to enhance social service delivery, particularly in the area of infrastructural development.
Elemide made the call on Saturday during the inauguration of the Prof Tamramat Runsewe-Abiodun Social Paediatric Complex, donated by Prof Runsewe-Abiodun to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu Campus.
The speaker said that selfless efforts, such as the donation of the multimillion-naira, 200-seat ultra-modern complex for the advancement of knowledge, underscored the need for individuals with the means to contribute to building a better society.
He described the 70-year-old donor as a “true mother in a million” and a highly successful and resourceful paediatrician whose legacies of love for humanity and selfless service would continue to inspire future generations.
Elemide said, “One thing I have observed among the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, particularly the Ijebus and the Remos, is their strong culture of philanthropy, especially in infrastructural support to complement government efforts.
“When you step into the premises, starting from the teaching hospital, you will see buildings donated by the Adebutus, Adegunwas, Runsewes, Onafowokans and others.
“These acts show their commitment to giving back to society and not forgetting home. These are responsibilities the government should ordinarily handle, but the government cannot do it alone.
“It is against this background that I call on well-meaning individuals to partner with the government to drive development and enhance the well-being of the people.”
The Speaker thanked the retiring Professor of Paediatrics for leaving a worthy legacy at the university and prayed that God would preserve her to enjoy the fruits of her labour.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, also lauded Prof Runsewe-Abiodun’s scholarly achievements and dedication to selfless service.
Agboola said, “I used to believe that you cannot task my brain and still task my pocket, but Prof Runsewe-Abiodun has changed that narrative. She has shown that one’s brain, pocket and even personal comfort can be committed to uplifting society.”
He described the retiring professor as one of his great teachers and a paediatrician par excellence whose contributions to medical education and quality healthcare delivery would remain invaluable.
The VC noted that the government alone could not meet all infrastructural needs, stressing the importance of partnerships and collaborations.
“The university needs these partnerships to move forward. Since I became Vice-Chancellor three years ago, we have encouraged such collaborations. Apart from one building at Ago-Iwoye, most of our facilities were donated by philanthropists and TETFund.
“In the last three years, no fewer than five buildings have been donated by individuals and alumni. What Prof Runsewe-Abiodun has done has further changed my perspective and inspired us all,” he added.
He said the university management deeply appreciated the gesture, describing it as a novel idea that would inspire others to support the institution’s growth.
Speaking at the event, the donor, Runsewe-Abiodun, said she undertook the project with the support of her children to demonstrate that life is about service and impact.
“Life should be about making positive differences in the lives of others. We should be more interested in what we can do to uplift humanity,” she said.
She also commended her husband, children, friends and associates for their support, noting that the project was completed within seven months.
Earlier, one of her children, Dr Gbenga Runsewe, said the complex stands as a tribute to their mother, who devoted over four decades to advancing paediatric nutrition and positively impacting countless children, families, students and colleagues.
He added that the project was executed through the Prof Tamramat Runsewe-Abiodun Foundation, established by the children to preserve and celebrate their mother’s legacy.
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