The Chairman of the Board of Management at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel, has facilitated an N8 million donation to fund the surgery of a teenage secondary school student, Rachel Idowu, who suffers from a congenital heart defect. The donation was made by Mr. Olawale Ayilara, following an appeal from Dr. Israel.

According to Dr. Segun Orisajo, Head of Information and Public Relations at FMC Abeokuta, Idowu’s condition has severely impacted her growth, school participation, and daily activities. During a recent visit to the hospital, Dr. Israel informed Mr. Ayilara about the teenager’s critical case. Touched by her plight, Ayilara immediately paid the full N8 million required for the surgery.

In response, Idowu and her mother, Mrs. Modupe Idowu, expressed immense gratitude, admitting they had lost hope due to their inability to afford the procedure. Ayilara, in turn, thanked God for the opportunity to help and urged more Nigerians to assist those in need. Meanwhile, the Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, revealed that the hospital currently handles over 40% of open-heart surgeries in Nigeria.

Dr. Israel renewed his appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to support the Centre’s transformation into a world-class facility. He also praised Mr. Ayilara, not only for his financial assistance but for his commitment to rebuilding and maintaining a structure within the hospital.