The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has commissioned a newly completed shopping mall to improve staff welfare and serve other hospital users.
The commissioning ceremony, held on the hospital premises on Wednesday, August 12, was attended by dignitaries from the public and private sectors.
The mall comprises 22 lock-up shops, each equipped with electricity meters, toilet facilities, generators and 24-hour security.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, recalled that the hospital previously had shops and a business centre, which were destroyed in a fire.
‘Rather than seek direct government funding for reconstruction, LASUTH adopted a public-private partnership model, with a private investor financing and developing the facility and recouping the investment through rental income.’
Fabamwo explained that, following a competitive bidding process involving three firms, BMC Global Limited, chaired by Asiwaju Igbalaye Mendes, emerged as the successful bidder.
According to him, the project was delivered with the support of the supervising ministry and the approval of the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, with LASUTH providing the land but committing no direct funds to construction.
While commending LASUTH management, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the shopping mall as a significant development that would enhance staff welfare and convenience for patients and visitors.
‘Healthcare facilities should prioritise staff welfare alongside clinical services; this mall would provide access to essential services within the hospital premises,’ he said.
Abayomi also highlighted LASUTH’s achievements in advanced medical and surgical services, saying the development would help reduce medical tourism.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Government was planning to establish a standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences and to implement healthcare financing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare and addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of BMC Global Limited, Asiwaju Igbalaye Mendes, disclosed that the project held special personal significance, as it was inspired by his late son, Babatunde Oriyomi Mendes, who strongly believed in the vision.
He noted that, although the project was secured through competitive bidding, its completion remained deeply meaningful to him.
Asiwaju Mendes commended LASUTH management, particularly Prof. Fabamwo, for its professionalism, integrity and support throughout the project.
Dignitaries present at the commissioning included the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi; the Director of Clinical Services and Training and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya; Rev. Fr. Stephen Abiodun Akinsowon, representing the Archbishop of Lagos Metropolitan See; and others.