Thirty years after the dream was first conceived, the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has established Nigeria’s first purpose-built secretariat for private medical practitioners in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The landmark development marks a major milestone for the association, which has existed in various forms since the early 1920s and serves as the umbrella body for private medical and dental practitioners across the country.
The new secretariat,
The ANPMP Remo Zone made the landmark history as the only ANPMP zone in the country with the purpose-built secretariat, following the commissioning of the Dr. David Mada Secretariat in Sagamu yesterday.
Dr. David Mada Secretariat, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s private healthcare sector, is expected to serve as an administrative, professional and policy hub for practitioners, while also strengthening collaboration and continuing medical education within the industry.
Sagamu, renowned for its medical heritage and as the hometown of Nigeria’s first Professor of Medicine, Oladipo Ogunlesi, was chosen as the host city for the historic project, further reinforcing its place in the country’s healthcare history.
A 30-Year Vision Fulfilled
In his address, Zonal Chairman Dr. Taiwo Akintoye said the idea for a befitting secretariat was muted over 30 years ago by the association’s founding elders while meetings were still held at Molaroid Hotel, once one of Sagamu’s best hotels.
The vision lay dormant until about three years ago when Prof. Jagun Edward suggested using the association’s depreciating bank funds to acquire land.
“Members promised and donated handsomely, and we also committed our goodwill and resources toward the project,” Dr. Akintoye said.
He singled out Baba Eskay and Dr. Tunde Ipaye, former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, for introducing a building levy into the association’s annual dues — a decision that made the impossible possible in less than two years. “Glory be to God for the financial provisions,” he added.
Dr. Akintoye thanked God for life and good health, and extended appreciation to all dignitaries present, ANPMP Remo Zone members for entrusting him with leadership, and his family — wife Abimbola, children Oreoluwa, Olamiposi and Oyinkansola, and sister-in-law Temitope Fakoya — for their unwavering support.
A Hub for Service, Unity and Community Impact
The chairman explained that the secretariat was built for five key purposes: to provide members with a comfortable and safe meeting space; to create a venue for socializing and fraternity; to generate revenue through rentals for seminars and private events; to serve as a gathering place for elderly members to combat loneliness; and to host medical outreach programs for underserved communities such as Ewu Oliwo and other associations.
Since completion, the facility has already hosted a wake keep for late Elder Dr. Adesina Wilde, 70th and 75th birthday celebrations for senior doctors, and is now available for mini parties, seminars and conferences. It will also serve as a venue for medical outreach programs, particularly for elderly members seeking companionship in old age.
He also expressed gratitude to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital management, led by CMD Dr. (Mrs.) Bunmi Fatungase*, for donating 20 banquet chairs to support the facility.
Frontline Service During Crisis
Highlighting the association’s community relevance, Dr. Akintoye said ANPMP Remo Zone has consistently complemented government efforts by providing prompt and affordable healthcare across Remoland, from Sagamu to Arepo, Magboro, Ibafo and Mowe. With nearly 60 financial members comprising experienced general practitioners and consultants, the zone remains the first point of call in emergencies..
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the index case in Ogun State was first attended to at Owokoniran Memorial Hospital, an ANPMP facility, before being transferred to OOUTH. “This is just to show you how important and relevant we are to the community,” he stated.
New Outreach and Professional Standards.
With the support of Kabiyesi and prominent sons and daughters of Remoland, Dr. Akintoye announced the launch of the “Serving the Unserved and Underserved Communities in Remoland initiative.
The program as he said will take medical outreach to rural areas in Remoland that currently have no access to private healthcare, shifting focus from the usual urban concentrations.
As a professional body, he said the association also regulates members to ensure standard medical practice at all times, summoning and advising any member found to fall below acceptable standards. The zone has also assisted members in issues with law enforcement and regulatory authorities on several occasions — a record that has made Remo Zone stand out among ANPMP zones in Ogun State.
Royal Endorsement and Collaboration
The Akarigbo of Remoland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Ajayi CFR*, who was installed as Grand Patron, commended the association’s leadership for their tenacity and for sustaining the legacy of private medical practice in Remoland. “When I came back and they started mentioning the names of the hospitals, it brought back memories of the past which I grew up with,” Oba Ajayi said, thanking the association for preserving that heritage.
He also lauded Dr. Fatungase for her transformative leadership at OOUTH, describing her as “the best CMD the institution has ever had.” He promised to institute a project at the teaching hospital in memory of his late surgeon wife, adding that “the medical profession is a very rewarding profession.”
The Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Toye Alatishe, in a goodwill message, reflected on the past and expressed joy that many of the doctors he met during his early days in practice are still alive and active in service.
Public-Private Health Partnership
Dr. Fatungase, in her goodwill message, emphasized that public and private health practitioners must work as one with no hierarchy.
She advocated for knowledge sharing, skill transfer, and healthy competition, describing ANPMP Remo Zone as a pacesetter and pledging to act as a bridge for future collaboration.
Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, represented at the event, congratulated the association and urged members to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to move private medical practice forward.
Dr. Oyelade, Chairman of ANPMP Ogun State, was also present, reinforcing unity across the state.
Honoring Pioneers and Leaders
The commissioning featured awards to distinguished individuals, including the Akarigbo; Late Dr. Adesina Wilde, recognized posthumously for pioneering private medical practice in Ogun State through his bold resignation from public service — a step described as an inspiration to generations; and Otunba S.K. Onafowokan, Chairman of Coleman Wire and Cable and Patron of the association, who pledged to uphold the responsibilities of his role.
The newly named Dr. David Mada Secretariat now stands as both a professional base and a lasting symbol of service, unity, and community impact in Remoland.
Dr.Waheed Ogunjobi
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Waheed Ogunjobi
Journalist, Author, Academic Researcher, PR Consultant
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