In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, Avon Medical, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, formally unveiled its ultramodern medical facility in Lagos on Monday. The launch event brought together government dignitaries, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and members of the press to witness what many described as a game-changing milestone in the private health sector.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who officially commissioned the facility, lauded Avon Medical for its continued commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in Nigeria. He described the newly opened 50-bed facility as “a bold statement of what is possible when vision meets investment and commitment.”
“This is not just another building—it is a symbol of what we can achieve when the private sector takes initiative in solving real human problems. Healthcare delivery cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the government. What Avon Medical has done here is admirable and commendable,” the governor said.
The event also featured Dr Awele Elumelu, OFR, Chairperson of Avon Medical Practice, who delivered an emotional keynote, tracing the organisation’s journey from a single-site clinic in 2009 to a full-service hospital with a Dialysis Centre, Diagnostics Unit, Maternity and Paediatrics Wards, and several workplace clinics across the country.
“This is a particularly emotional moment for us at Avon Medical,” Dr Elumelu said. “It is a moment of pride and deep fulfilment. We started this journey 16 years ago with a simple but powerful belief: that world-class healthcare should not be reserved for the wealthy or privileged few. It should be accessible and affordable for everyone.”
She reflected on the challenges that initially inspired the founding of Avon Medical and Avon HMO—the lack of modern equipment, overstretched medical professionals, and the inability of many Nigerians to access timely, quality medical care.
“We could not look away. So, we decided to do something about it,” she said. “We built Avon Medical to deliver excellent care, and Avon HMO to make that care financially accessible. That combination was deliberate—because access without affordability is no access at all.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed her sentiments, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to partnering with visionary organisations that share the goal of strengthening Lagos’ health infrastructure. He cited recent achievements such as the construction of five Mother and Child hospitals across the state, the upcoming Mercy Children’s Hospital, and the 1,000-bed Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejirin—set to be the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have prioritised healthcare in our budgeting. Between 8 to 10 per cent of our state budget annually goes to health, because we know that a healthy population is the bedrock of a thriving economy,” the governor noted.
Dr Elumelu went further to situate Avon Medical’s vision within the broader philosophy of Africapitalism, the development framework championed by the Heirs Holdings Group and her husband, Mr Tony Elumelu, CFR. “We believe that the private sector must play a central role in solving the continent’s most pressing problems. We’re not just here to generate profit. We are here to create lasting impact.”
The statistics she presented were stark: Africa accounts for over 20% of the global disease burden, but has access to only 1% of the world’s healthcare resources. Nearly half of Africans lack access to quality healthcare, and only 3% of global health workers serve the continent. Nigeria, in particular, continues to struggle with limited availability of doctors, hospital beds, and modern medical technology—pressures exacerbated by the brain drain of healthcare professionals.
“These are not just numbers. They are stories. They are lives. Far too often, they are the lives of women and children,” she stressed. “This facility means more women will receive the maternal care they need. More children will get life-saving diagnoses. More families will have access to the care they deserve.”
The facility, located in Lagos, will serve as a hub for Avon Medical’s growing network. It is a tangible expression of their vision to build a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the investment as “patient capital”—the kind that recognises long-term societal value over short-term returns. “We need more of this thinking—investors who are not just looking for what to take from the country, but what to give. We can’t solve our health challenges through public funding alone. We need the private sector to step up, and Avon Medical has done just that.”
He also addressed the issue of medical tourism, lamenting that Nigeria loses over $2 billion annually to citizens seeking treatment abroad. “Let us reverse that trend. Let us build facilities we can trust. Let us create a system where our people, including our medical professionals, choose to stay—because they see hope, opportunity, and dignity at home.”
Dr Elumelu concluded her remarks by acknowledging the dedication of the Avon Medical team and the support from public sector partners, especially the Lagos State Ministry of Health. “This day belongs to our teams—clinical and non-clinical—who show up every day, committed to our mission. We also thank our partners in government for creating the environment that makes this collaboration possible.”
To the patients who will walk through the doors of the new facility, she gave a simple but powerful promise: “We are here because of you. Your health matters to us.”
Also speaking, Chairman Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu acknowledged the support and assistance provided by both the Federal Government, the State Government, and the health institutions, noting their collective contributions to strengthening the healthcare system.
“In particular, I must commend the Lagos State Governor for the truly outstanding support he has extended to the health sector. We all witnessed how the system held up during the COVID-19 pandemic—an indication of robust structures and proactive leadership.
“At the helm of this response were dedicated officials, including the governor and Commissioner of Health, who gave us hope during a difficult time and have remained committed ever since. In fact, the governor just returned to the country yesterday to be here today—an act that speaks volumes.
“I also want to thank His Excellency and the State Executive Council. Despite a scheduled meeting on Monday, he adjusted his plans to be physically present here. That level of commitment can only come from a governor who truly understands and values the critical role of healthcare.
“Healthcare is not just about treating illness; it is foundational to creating wealth and driving sustainable progress. On behalf of all of us, I say thank you, Your Excellency.”
With the official ribbon cut and the facility now operational, the launch marks a new chapter in the ongoing story of private sector-driven health innovation in Nigeria—one that places people, purpose, and progress at the heart of care.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medical Practice, Dr Akinbiyi Gabriel Oke, shared details about the facility’s offerings and the healthcare provider’s mission to make world-class healthcare affordable and accessible for Nigerians.
“This facility represents another bold step in our journey,” Dr Oke stated. “It combines clinical expertise with empathy and innovation to create a modern and welcoming space where access to high-quality medical care is not a privilege but a right.”
