In a bold stride toward revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Nigeria, Avon Medical, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, officially launched its state-of-the-art medical facility in Lagos on Monday, drawing applause from government officials, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders.
The event, held at the new 50-bed hospital, was graced by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who commissioned the facility and praised Avon Medical for its visionary investment in the health sector.
“This is not just another building—it is a symbol of what is possible when the private sector takes initiative to solve real human problems,” the governor said. “What Avon Medical has done here is admirable and commendable.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting healthcare-focused initiatives, citing the state’s investment in five Mother and Child hospitals, the upcoming Mercy Children’s Hospital, and the planned 1,000-bed Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejirin—the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Medical Practice, delivered a heartfelt keynote, tracing Avon’s journey from a single-site clinic in 2009 to a national network offering services that include a Dialysis Centre, Diagnostics Unit, Maternity and Pediatrics Wards, and workplace clinics.
“This is a particularly emotional moment for us,” she said. “We began with a simple but powerful belief—that world-class healthcare should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.”
She emphasized the deliberate integration of Avon Medical with Avon HMO to address both access and affordability, noting that access without affordability amounts to no access at all. Her remarks also reflected the core philosophy of Africapitalism—Heirs Holdings’ development ideology, which prioritizes long-term societal impact through private-sector investment.
Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, also addressed attendees, lauding the collaboration between the private and public sectors. He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for his dedication to improving the health infrastructure in Lagos State.
“Healthcare is not just about treating illness; it is foundational to creating wealth and driving sustainable progress,” Mr. Elumelu said.
Highlighting Africa’s healthcare disparity, Dr. Elumelu noted that the continent accounts for over 20% of the global disease burden but has access to only 1% of healthcare resources. “These are not just numbers,” she said. “They are lives—often those of women and children. This facility means more mothers will get the care they need, and more children will receive life-saving diagnoses.”
The newly launched facility is designed to serve as the central hub for Avon Medical’s growing network and is a testament to the group’s mission to provide top-tier medical care across Nigeria. Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical, Dr. Akinbiyi Gabriel Oke, described the facility as a blend of “clinical expertise, empathy, and innovation,” aimed at delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare in a modern and welcoming environment.
With its official launch, Avon Medical has reinforced its position as a key player in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem—demonstrating that purpose-driven private investment can help bridge longstanding gaps in service delivery and infrastructure.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded with a call to reverse Nigeria’s costly medical tourism trend, which drains over $2 billion annually. “Let us build facilities we can trust. Let our people stay because they see hope, opportunity, and dignity at home,” he said.
The launch event was not only a celebration of infrastructure but also a powerful reaffirmation of the role the private sector can play in delivering quality, equitable healthcare to Nigerians.