ABEOKUTA: A 16-year-old secondary school student in Abeokuta, born with a congenital heart defect, has been given a new lease on life after receiving an N8 million donation to cover the cost of her surgery. The generous contribution was facilitated by Dr. Dayo Israel, Chairman of the Board of Management at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, and his billionaire friend, Mr. Olawale Ayilara.
The teenager, whose condition had severely impacted her growth and ability to participate in school and household activities, had been struggling with the complications of a “hole in the heart” since birth. Her family had lost hope of ever affording the life-saving surgery until Dr. Israel intervened.
According to a statement by Dr. Segun Orisajo, the hospital’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Ayilara, a close associate of Dr. Israel, immediately settled the N8 million surgery bill after learning of the girl’s plight during a visit to the medical center. Ayilara, who is the CEO of Landwey Investments, had come to inspect facilities at FMC Abeokuta to identify buildings his company could adopt for renovation and maintenance.
Dr. Israel expressed his gratitude to Ayilara, stating, “During his visit, I brought to his attention the case of this 16-year-old girl with a heart condition. Without hesitation, he paid the N8 million required for her surgery.”
The donor, Mr. Ayilara, humbly attributed the act to divine grace, saying, “We give glory to God for the opportunity to help this young girl.”
The girl’s mother, Mrs. Modupe Idowu, overwhelmed with emotion, thanked Dr. Israel and Mr. Ayilara for their humanitarian gesture. “We had lost all hope because there was no way we could have raised the money for the surgery,” she said.
Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, the Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, highlighted the hospital’s growing capacity to perform complex surgeries, noting that the center now handles over 40% of open-heart surgeries conducted in Nigeria.
Dr. Israel also used the opportunity to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to support the hospital’s development. “I invite you all to visit us and see how you can contribute to the growth of this center,” he said.
The Chairman expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ayilara not ocentrer the donation but also for his commitment to rebuilding and maintaining facilities at the medical center. This act of kindness has not only transformed the life of a young girl but also underscored the power of collective effort in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
