Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has commissioned a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, ‘Brain Center,’ in Ibadan.
The medical facility was commissioned on Saturday, January 18, amid commendations from eminent personalities from within Nigeria and the diaspora who traveled down to witness the event.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the facility, aimed at advancing neurological research and healthcare, is one of its kind in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, and a significant step forward for medical innovation in Nigeria.
The Brain Center, located at Idi-Ape area of Ibadan North East local government, is equipped with cutting-edge technology to address various neurological conditions, including epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain-related disorders.
The facility also includes advanced research labs, telemedicine services, and a training center for healthcare professionals.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the NACA boss, Dr. Temitope Ilori, praised Dr. Farombi for her vision and commitment to transforming healthcare system not only in the state but Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Ilori described the Brain Center as a game-changer for Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in addressing neurological emergencies and supporting the long-term recovery of patients with complex neurological conditions.
She noted that the facility’s specialized focus on neurocritical care and neurorehabilitation would significantly improve brain health outcomes, especially for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
“The success of this hospital depends on collective commitment,” Dr. Ilori said, urging stakeholders to support the initiative to address the challenges of brain health in Nigeria.
Earlier in her address, Dr. Temitope Farombi, the founder of the Brain Center, described the commissioning as a transformative moment in Nigeria’s healthcare history.
She emphasized the Center’s commitment to providing cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, and impactful research.
“Brain Center is more than just a hospital; it is a hub for innovation and excellence. It’s a place where the lives of patients and their families will be transformed, hope will be restored, and innovation will lead the way in addressing the challenges of brain health,” she said.
Dr. Farombi highlighted the growing prevalence of neurological conditions, predicting a threefold increase in cases of epilepsy, stroke, headaches, insomnia, depression, and other mental health issues by 2030. She stressed the Center’s role in helping individuals recover and reintegrate into society, ensuring they lead functional and fulfilling lives.
Reflecting on her decision to establish the Brain Center, Dr. Farombi said, “I decided to stay back to provide support for the community, giving back to society and the government after over 20 years of training. We have the talent in Nigeria; what we need is government support to enact policies that will retain our best hands.”
Dr. Farombi expressed her gratitude to NACA and other stakeholders for their support in bringing the project to life. “This is more than a building; it is a dream come true for advancing neuroscience in Nigeria. Our mission is to provide cutting-edge care for patients, foster groundbreaking research, and train the next generation of neurologists.”
In his remarks, Dr Farombi’s husband; Professor Olatunde Farombi, a respected academic and scientist in his own right, described his wife as a trailblazer dedicated to improving healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria and Africa.
“This centre reflects her unwavering passion for innovation and her drive to make a meaningful impact on society. Her commitment to addressing pressing health challenges is both inspiring and transformative,” he remarked.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abiodun Olatunji expressed concern over the country’s reliance on seeking medical care abroad, urging stakeholders to support the Nigerian healthcare system and reduce the outflow of resources.
In their separate goodwill messages, friends of Dr Farombi from the diaspora, who flew into the country to be part of the event, lauded her vision and passion for the profession and called on stakeholders to deepen collection and synergy that would sustain the medical facility.
The commissioning event was attended by prominent figures, including medical professionals, government officials, and representatives, as well as parents of the founder, and friends. Many lauded the Brain Center as a game-changer for the country’s healthcare sector.