By Rotimi Olaleye
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday inaugurated the Wole Olanipekun Physiotherapy Centre (WOPC) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), describing it as a transformational gift to medicine and humanity.
The state-of-the-art, multi-storey physiotherapy centre, widely hailed as one of the finest in West Africa, was constructed and fully equipped by Bode Olanipekun, SAN and his wife, Tolu, in honour of a renowned legal luminary and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.
Commending the Olanipekun family during the commissioning, Governor Sanwo-Olu called the centre “a statement, not just a structure,” and lauded the philanthropic spirit that brought the idea to life.
“What Bode and Tolu have done is not just a structure. It is a statement. It’s a challenge to all of us, to use our little space to give back,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to the governor, the project is a challenge to him,as an alumnus of UNILAG adding the Olanipekuns had set him on a race to match their impact in the University.
Speaking at the event, Chief Wole Olanipekun admitted he was taken completely by surprise, having had no prior knowledge of the project until just over a week before its unveiling.
“I didn’t prompt it, I didn’t fund it and I knew nothing about it. When Bode told me he had a surprise for me, I never imagined something of this magnitude. I thought he wanted to give me money. But when he sent the photos, I was overwhelmed. Tears rolled down tears of gratitude.
“I could not do this for my own parents while they were living, though I cared for them well. That my child has done this for me while I am still here, this is one of the happiest moments of my life”.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, praised the project as a milestone in the university’s history and a major addition to its growing healthcare capabilities.
“You haven’t just built a centre, you’ve written history. This is the kind of innovation we strive for in creating the future of healthcare and education. And yes, I’m a woman leading one of Nigeria’s largest universities , the future is truly balanced.”
The Donor, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, revealed that the concept was initiated by his wife, Tolu, who oversaw the design, construction and equipping of the facility, describing her as the driving force behind the vision.
“It was my wife’s idea. I only ran with it. She sourced the contractor, ensured the quality and brought her high standards into every detail. I’ve now learned to see when a line isn’t straight, all from living with Tolu.”
Bode also thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unequivocal support, recalling that “the governor only said, ‘Just tell me the day, and I’ll be there.’ No paperwork, just support.”
The Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Professor W.L Adeyemo called the project a “legacy achievement,” highlighting its alignment with LUTH’s long-term vision of becoming a 21st-century healthcare hub.
“When Bode and Tolu first approached us, we didn’t imagine it would grow to this scale. It has far exceeded our expectations. It is a facility designed for impact from its accessibility to its advanced therapeutic technologies”.
