Thirty years after it was first constructed, Guinness Nigeria PLC has inaugurated the renovated Guinness Eye Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) at Adi-Araba, Lagos having invested a total sum of 161.3 million naira in extensive renovation, encompassing civil, plumbing, roofing, and electrical works among others.
The incoming Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Ali, disclosed that the Eye Centre, constructed nearly 30 years ago, has received a substantial renovation costing approximately N155 million including an annual five million naira equipment grant.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at LUTH, Adebayo expressed the company’s dedication to community impact through their Environmental Social Governance Strategy, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.
Stressing the significance of inclusion and diversity, he highlighted the event as part of their commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.
“This unwavering commitment forms the basis of their Environmental Social Governance Strategy- Society 2030: Spirit of Progress which is our 10-Year action plan to help create a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Board Chair, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Dr Omobola Johnson, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in their long-standing commitment to social investment and positive impact in Nigeria.
He disclosed that since its establishment in 1994, the Guinness Eye Centre has been pivotal in providing comprehensive ophthalmic care services to thousands of patients annually, conducting 650 eye surgeries on average.
According to him, the centre also serves as a training facility for medical and ophthalmic nursing students, an examination center for medical colleges, and an international examination center.
“Since its inception in 1994, the Guinness Eye Centre has played a pivotal role in the area of eye health services, providing comprehensive ophthalmic care services to a wide range of patients across Nigeria and neighboring countries.
“Annually, the Guinness Eye Centre sees an average of 3,000 new patients and 15,000 old patients. Also, averages of 650 eye surgeries are performed annually at this centre,” said Johnson.
Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, highlighted Guinness Nigeria PLC’s continuous commitment, including a yearly grant of NGN 5 million for equipment support for the past 28 years, totaling NGN 140 million.
He said in 2011, a further NGN 3.2 million was allocated for general renovation, adding that in 2023, Guinness Nigeria PLC Former CMD, Prof. Chris Bode, praised Guinness Nigeria PLC’s unwavering commitment to caring for Nigerians, emphasising their enduring dedication to excellence in healthcare.
