10/11/2025
Speech of Dr. Olusodo delivered at the flag-off ceremony for the Affordable Healthcare Programme at Atayese Hospital, Isonyin.
Your Royal Highness, the Saderiren of Isonyin,
His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulrasheed Cossy-Salami;
Distinguished Chiefs and palace officers;
Religious and community leaders;
Members of the Atayese Group and hospital staff;
Esteemed guests, friends, and dear residents of Isonyin and neighbouring communities — good morning.
It is a profound honour for me to stand before you today on this historic morning as we formally launch the Atayese Group’s Affordable Healthcare Programme at Atayese Hospital, Isonyin.
First and foremost I give thanks to God for this day. I also want to place on record our deepest gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Saderiren of Isonyin, Oba Abdulrasheed Cossy-Salami, and to his chiefs for their steadfast support. Your Majesty — your partnership, leadership, and pledge to see this hospital transformed into an ultra-modern centre of care have been, and will remain, pillars of this initiative. Thank you for believing in this vision and for walking with us.
Health is the foundation of every thriving community. Without access to basic, affordable medical care the other gains of development — education, work, family life — are all undermined. In Nigeria today, and especially in our towns and villages, too many families face the painful choice between seeking care and meeting other essential needs. That is what we come to change.
Today the Atayese Group takes a bold step to ease that burden. Under the new regime at Atayese Hospital: consultation fees have been reduced to ₦500 for adults and ₦200 for children and persons below 18 years; medicines will be provided at a modest 15–20% margin over cost price; and admission will be ₦1,000 per day. With these measures, most treatments at our facility will not exceed ₦2,000.
This is not merely a pricing adjustment — it is a statement of values. It says that quality healthcare must be accessible to ordinary families, that no one should be turned away because they lack means, and that a healthy Isonyin is an achievable goal when we commit our resources and goodwill to it.
But affordable care must also be reliable, safe, and respectful. To that end we pledge the following:
• Clinical standards and infection control will be strictly maintained;
• Drug procurement will be transparent and accountable;
• Staff will be trained and supported to deliver compassionate care; and
• Records and billing will be clear so patients understand what they pay for.
We cannot do this alone. This programme is already blessed by the moral and practical support of His Royal Highness and the community, but sustaining it will require the participation of many partners — families, local businesses, philanthropists, civic groups, and government agencies. I therefore call on everyone here: if you can give financially, materially, or with your time and expertise, please do. Every donation and every helping hand will go directly into patient care, staff training, and the renovation that will turn this facility into the modern health centre our people deserve.
To our staff and volunteers: thank you. You are at the heart of this work. Your commitment — often under difficult conditions — makes today possible. Let us work together to ensure our patients receive not only care that is affordable, but care that is competent, dignified, and timely.
To the people of Isonyin and the neighbouring communities of Ijebu North East Local Government: this programme is for you. Use it, test it, and hold us accountable. Your feedback will make our services better and our systems stronger.
Finally, I ask for God’s guidance and the continued blessing of His Royal Highness as we begin this journey. May this programme restore health, reduce hardship, and strengthen the bonds of our community.
In closing, let me repeat what brought us together this morning: a shared conviction that quality healthcare should be within the reach of all. Where there is will, partnership, and wise stewardship, there can be real change. Let us make this change together.
Thank you and God bless Isonyin.
