In the face of devastation, resilience rose.
Months after a fire gutted Ago Medical Centre, Okota, Lagos, Dr. Kola Afolabi has not only rebuilt his hospital—he’s reignited hope across Nigeria’s medical community.
In a heartfelt show of solidarity, the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) visited the newly restored facility, celebrating a comeback that defied economic odds and personal loss.
Led by Chairman Dr. Babajide Saheed, the delegation hailed Afolabi as a symbol of strength, service, and the enduring spirit of healthcare professionals.
Saheed expressed awe at Afolabi’s swift recovery and unwavering determination. “He is an icon of the medical profession,” Saheed declared, noting that rebuilding a hospital in such a short time—especially under Nigeria’s current economic constraints—was nothing short of remarkable.
The visit was more than ceremonial; it was a reaffirmation of the NMA’s commitment to stand by its members in times of distress.
“We must support our members whenever they are psychologically, financially, or professionally affected,” Saheed said.
He revealed that the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) would focus on insurance and safety nets for doctors, especially those running private practices. A Welfare Trust Fund is under consideration to promote indemnity and property insurance among practitioners.
In the same vein, the former NMA Chairman, Dr. Tope Ojo, echoed the sentiment, describing the visit as both congratulatory and symbolic. He praised Afolabi’s decades of service and the goodwill he had cultivated, which played a crucial role in his rapid recovery.
“The incident was tragic, but thankfully no life was lost. His bounce-back is a testament to the strength of community and character,” Ojo said.
Dr. Afolabi, visibly moved by the show of support, expressed deep gratitude. “I never expected this magnitude of solidarity. I’m humbled,” he said.
He recounted that the fire was triggered by an electrical surge, but assured that the new facility now includes a fire detection system and is fully insured.
Remarkably, the tragedy became a catalyst for growth. “I had always planned to expand. Though painful, the fire accelerated our move into a bigger space. We’re now awaiting insurance claims to develop the old site further,” Afolabi shared.
The visit not only celebrated one man’s resilience but also reignited conversations around risk management in Nigeria’s health sector.