By Matthew Johnson

The Inner Wheel Club of Lagos West, a non-governmental organisation, has donated 18 concrete seats, durable plastic chairs, two patient monitors and two nebulizers each and more to Ajeromi General Hospital, Lagos and Lagos university Teaching Hospital Luth, Idi Araba respectively, aimed at improving patient care and providing comfort for relatives of patients.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on June 24th, 2026 the Medical Director of Ajeromi General Hospital, Dr. Yetunde Sotunde, described the intervention as timely, noting that the hospital had long struggled with inadequate seating facilities for relatives of patients, particularly those receiving emergency care.

According to her, while government continues to support public health facilities, increasing patient loads have placed additional pressure on available infrastructure.

Sotunde noted that the facility would significantly improve the experience of relatives who often remain within the hospital premises while awaiting updates on the condition of their loved ones.

She said: “One particular need we had was a seating area for relatives of patients. We had a seating area in one part of the hospital, but not in the casualty section, which is relatively new.

“It was one of our proposals that we should have a comfortable waiting area for relatives who accompany patients, especially those brought to the emergency unit. The donation by Inner Wheel is therefore a welcome gesture.

“Many of them refuse to go home because they are anxious about the outcome of treatment. We observed that they sat around in uncomfortable conditions. These seats will bring a lot of comfort and dignity to them while they wait,” she said.

President of the Inner Wheel Club of Lagos West, Mrs. Olubukola Olawawuyi, said the project formed part of her administration’s signature humanitarian initiative for the 2025/2026 Inner Wheel year.

She explained that the donation included 18 seats, two monitors and two nebulisers for the hospitals among other items

Olawawuyi noted that service to humanity remains the core mandate of Inner Wheel, stressing that members continually identify areas where interventions can improve lives.

She disclosed that the club had previously executed similar projects at the College of Nursing and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

“This is our star project. We felt it was important to improve the dignity and comfort of patients and their relatives instead of having them stand around while receiving care.

“We understand that government cannot provide everything, which is why we took upon ourselves to support Ajeromi General hospital and Olikoye Ransome kuti emergency center of Luth with these facilities”. She said

On maintenance, she said the club would continue to monitor the facilities to ensure they remain in good condition and serve their intended purpose for years.

Also speaking, Past President of Inner Wheel Club of Lagos West and Past Chairman of International Inner Wheel District 911, Mrs. Kafilat Afodun, described the project as a pleasant development for patients and caregivers.

She said the club had previously established similar facilities at LUTH, adding that supporting government efforts in healthcare delivery remained one of the organisation’s priorities.

“Inner Wheel is a non-commercial organisation. We know government cannot do everything, so we support initiatives that improve the welfare and comfort of the people,” she said.

District Chairman of Inner Wheel District 911 and Director of Administration, LUTH, Mrs. Omolola Fakaye, described the donation as a “game changer,” particularly the patient monitors donated to the hospital.

According to her, the monitors are critical life-saving equipment capable of tracking the condition of severely ill patients and alerting healthcare workers to emergencies.

She noted that the equipment would be especially beneficial in the Accident and Emergency unit and for newborn and critically ill children requiring constant observation.

“The monitors are life savers. Any child brought here is usually in a critical condition, and these devices will help healthcare workers respond promptly whenever there is a problem,” she said.

Fakaye also commended the provision of good quality seating facilities, noting that mothers nursing sick children would now have a comfortable place to sit while attending to their babies.

Representing the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Mr. Lanre Adeyemo, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Mr. Babawale Bello, said the donation highlighted the importance of partnerships between public institutions and private organisations.

Bello explained that the two patient monitors would enhance the care of critically ill patients by providing continuous monitoring and alerting healthcare personnel to emergencies.

“There is a lot hospitals should be doing for patients, but the demands are enormous and government cannot do it all alone.
“That is why we encourage corporate organisations, the media and members of the public to support healthcare institutions in areas where assistance is needed.

“Nothing is too small or too big to donate to hospitals. Individuals and organisations can visit healthcare facilities, identify areas of need and support them accordingly,” he said.