Sen.Wasiu Eshinlokun and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have donated a new radiology X-ray machine to the General Hospital Odan-Lagos, enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of one of Nigeria’s oldest public healthcare facilities.
At the inauguration, Eshinlokun, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, stated that the donation aimed to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary and secondary levels.
He described the X-ray machine as “a gift of health and a tool to save lives”, pledging an additional ₦1 billion for the upgrade of facilities at the hospital.
Eshinlokun explained that the investment would improve infrastructure, enhance patient care and help sustain the hospital’s status as a model of excellence.
He also revealed that additional interventions were being planned for the hospital before the end of the current project cycle in March.
Eshinlokun disclosed that long-standing engagement with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and discussions with the state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had resulted in agreed interventions across the health sector.
The senator announced that two new primary health centres at Ojo-Giwa and Itire-Ikate had already been approved, with designs completed and contracts awarded.
He added that the projects would further strengthen collaboration between the ministry and local governments.
The senator commended the Lagos State Government for prioritising health and praised the NPA for its collaboration in strengthening the state’s health sector.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the Authority was pleased to partner in an initiative that would directly improve patient care and diagnostic services at the hospital.
Dantsoho, represented by Malam Ali Bichi, stressed that the intervention would benefit not only Lagos Island but the state at large.
He urged the hospital management to ensure effective utilisation of the equipment for the benefit of patients, while wishing Lagos State and the health facility continued success in service devery.
In his remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described General Hospital Odan as the flagship and one of the oldest general hospitals in Nigeria.
Abayomi further said the hospital remained a constant focus of the state’s health infrastructure renewal drive, adding that it was undergoing continuous upgrades in line with the state’s vision to lead in healthcare delivery.
Abayomi praised Eshinlokun for returning home to invest in a critical sector, stressing that access to functional diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines was essential to effective patient care.
He noted that doctors were often forced to refer patients outside the hospital for imaging, a challenge the new machine would significantly reduce.
The commissioner explained that Eshinlokun’s intervention would ease pressure on the facility and its personnel, adding that further proposed health projects by the lawmaker reflect uncommon generosity and commitment to public service.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasised that improved healthcare delivery was not the sole responsibility of the government but required strategic partnerships.
Ogunyemi commended Eshinlokun and the NPA, adding that the collaboration demonstrates how collective action can translate into tangible benefits for Lagos residents.
Also speaking, Dr Abimbola Mabogunje, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, described the donation as timely and impactful, stressing that modern diagnostic equipment was central to accurate diagnosis and improved health outcomes.
Mabogunje applauded Eshinlokun and NPA for demonstrating strong stakeholder collaboration, assuring that the Commission will continue to support initiatives aligned with the state’s vision of people-centred healthcare delivery.
Dr Olatunde Bakare, Medical Director, General Hospital Odan-Lagos, said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in enhancing the hospital’s diagnostic capacity and service efficiency.
Bakare noted that radiological services were vital to timely clinical decision-making and patient management.
He expressed appreciation to the donor and partners, assuring that the equipment would be optimally utilised and properly maintained, while calling for sustained support to ensure reliable infrastructure for advanced medical technology.
Commenting, Dr Tope Akintomide, Director of Radiology, recalled that General Hospital Odan-Lagos was home to Nigeria’s first X-ray machine in 1913.
Akintomide said the new equipment would improve patient care and strengthen residency training and accreditation for future radiologists.
He commended the government, donors, and the hospital management, noting that the intervention had restored hope and capacity within the department and positioned the hospital for a stronger future in diagnostic medicine.
