Francesco Arezzo hospital upgrade visit highlights ₦150m Rotary intervention at General Hospital Odan to boost Lagos healthcare delivery
The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, alongside his spouse, Anna Maria Arezzo-Criscione, has inspected the newly upgraded Wards C1 and C2 at General Hospital Odan, following a ₦150 million intervention by the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro.
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President Arezzo, who arrived in Lagos on February 13, visited the facility in the company of senior Rotary leaders from Districts 9111 and 9112 to assess the project, which was officially commissioned on Friday, January 24, 2026.
The initiative is widely regarded as one of the club’s flagship humanitarian projects and a major boost to public healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
The project, which underwent multiple leadership phases before its completion this Rotary year 2025-2026 under the leadership of Rtn. Alexander Chukwu, was initiated during the Rotary year 2023–2024 under the medical directorship of Dr Abiola Mafe and the leadership of then President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, Rtn. Adekemi Folorunsho, who successfully secured the necessary institutional approvals.
However, the actual execution of the project commenced during the Rotary year 2024–2025 under the medical directorship of Dr Pitan Adesola and the leadership of Rtn. Gbolahan Adeyinka, culminating in the successful delivery of the intervention.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Arezzo described the project as a vital response to a critical community need.
“It is a real need for the community, and we are proud that the club is able to provide such an important service for doctors, patients, and the community in general,” he said.
The intervention involved the complete refurbishment and equipping of Wards C1 and C2, transforming both general and private wards into modern healthcare spaces.
The upgrade included the installation of 35 two-crank hospital beds for the general wards and six three-crank beds for the private wards, all fitted with new mattresses.
Other equipment provided includes 40 bedside lockers, 40 overbed tables, 41 sturdy plastic chairs, and 41 twenty-litre bedside waste bins.
Medical equipment supplied comprises 10 multi-parameter patient monitors with stands, four digital vital sign monitors, four Accison mercury sphygmomanometers, eight infra-red thermometers, six pulse oximeters, two oxygen concentrators, two electric suction machines, two manual suction machines, three diagnostic sets, four oxygen gauges, and five ambu bags.
Additional installations include six food serving trolleys, four drug trolleys, six large trays, six medium trays, 15 bedpans, 15 large kidney dishes, 30 medium kidney dishes, 30 gallipots, 16 industrial fans, ward screens for both C1 and C2, window blinds, and bedsheets.
Structural enhancements also formed a major component of the intervention, including the replacement of old windows with aluminium frames, fresh exterior painting, installation of water treatment facilities, and the provision of 11,000-litre water storage tanks to ensure a sustainable water supply.
The Lagos State Government, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil Service I, Dr Pitan Adesola, expressed deep appreciation to the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro and Rotary International for selecting General Hospital Odan for the project, noting that its conception and execution reflect a strong continuity of leadership and purpose.
“What we will continue to say is thank you. We are full of gratitude for this great lead Rotary has taken, investing in humanity and partnering with government to care for the community. This serves as a great encouragement for all of us as health professionals,” he stated.
The incoming President of Rotary International, Rtn. Yinka Babalola, urged the hospital community to ensure optimal utilisation and proper maintenance of the facilities.
“If the hospital uses the facilities well, more support may come,” he said.
A Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Rtn. Ijeoma Okoro, described the project as a powerful demonstration of Rotary’s promise of service to humanity.
“This is Rotary at its best. This is the promise we make to the world. All thanks go to the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro for conceptualising this project.
Although it was not sponsored by the Rotary Foundation, the club still has opportunities to access grants when the right processes are followed,” she said.
Okoro further advocated closer collaboration between government and civil society organisations, stressing that governments alone cannot be left with the responsibility of transforming lives.
She also proposed the creation of a Rotary club within the hospital community to promote sustainability, ownership, and effective monitoring.
District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, Rtn. Lanre Adedoyin, described the successful completion of the project as a moment of pride for the district.
“It is a thing of joy to see this come to reality. I appreciate the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro for their dedication and consistency in bringing this project to fruition,” he said.
President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, Rtn. Chukwu, revealed that the hospital upgrade is only the first phase of a broader healthcare intervention plan.
“We have a lot more to do here in Odan. While we have revitalised Wards C1 and C2 and also touched Wards F1 and F2, the latter are still not habitable.
We are already working towards addressing those wards next, with assurances from my president-elect and president nominee,” he stated.
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The over ₦150 million intervention underscores the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro’s sustained commitment to healthcare development, continuity in leadership, and improved service delivery across Lagos State, reinforcing Rotary International’s enduring mission of service above self.
