Oredola Adeola

Egbin Power Plc, in collaboration with Sahara Group Foundation, has donated a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to General Hospital Ijede, Lagos, as part of their ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services in Nigeria.

The donation, which was officially handed over during a ceremony on Tuesday, features a newly constructed and fully equipped 5-bed ICU.

The initiative, according to the GenCo and Foundation aims to bolster critical patient care capacity and improve emergency response capabilities in Lagos State.

This effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for people of all ages.

Mokhtar Bounour, CEO of Egbin Power, highlighted that the donation reflects the company’s dedication to the development of its host communities.

He stated, “At Egbin Power Plc, we believe that the strength of a community is reflected in the well-being of its people.

“As one of Nigeria’s largest power generation companies, we are committed to not only powering homes and industries but also empowering lives.

This donation will significantly enhance emergency response and healthcare delivery in the state,” CEO of Egbin Power said.

Bounour also expressed confidence in the healthcare professionals who will manage the ICU, entrusting the facility to their capable hands to provide exceptional care and restore hope to patients and their families.

He reiterated Egbin Power’s ongoing commitment to community development through various initiatives in health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Ejiro Gray, Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group Foundation, noted the critical need for such facilities in Lagos State and Nigeria.

She explained that previously, access to critical healthcare services was limited due to the distance to available ICUs, leading to avoidable loss of lives.

“We don’t have many of these facilities in Lagos State or Nigeria. The logistics of transporting critically ill patients to a facility with an ICU was challenging. Establishing and equipping this ICU brings critical care services closer to the people,” Gray said.

Gray reaffirmed the commitment of both Sahara Group Foundation and Egbin Power to fostering sustainability and building a resilient future.

Dr. Olumuyiwa Balogun-Oluwa, Acting Chief Medical Director of General Hospital Ijede, praised the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation and Egbin Power.

He emphasized that the ICU would serve not only the Ikorodu community but also the larger Lagos State.

“General Hospital Ijede has moved to the next level of healthcare, a level not many general hospitals in the state occupy. We are grateful to the Sahara Group Foundation and Egbin Power.

“The facility will benefit the Ikorodu community and Lagos State in general. Our staff is being prepared and trained for the commencement of work,” Dr. Balogun-Oluwa stated.

Egbin Power in the statement obtained by Advisors Reports highlighted its Personal Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) programs aimed at promoting quality health for residents in the host communities.

These, according to the GenCo, included an annual 3-day medical outreach covering cardiovascular, arthritis, dental, and diabetes screenings. Participants receive free quality medications following examinations by qualified medical practitioners.

Additionally, Egbin Power emphasized that it currently provides free, uninterrupted electricity to General Hospital Ijede, delivers free hospital-grade oxygen to hospitals within Ikorodu, and donates medications quarterly, administered free of charge to patients.

These interventions, according to the company, underscored its efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and contribute to the attainment of SDG 3.