The University College Hospital has appointed multi-award winning actor and producer, Saidi Balogun as its Health Ambassador.
The University College Hospital Ibadan UCH officially announced this during the 60th Anniversary celebration of the College Hospital. Present at the occasion were the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Governor of Oyo State, Senator. Abiola Ajimoji, Ondo State Governor Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba of Lagos, Oba Ola Rilwan Akinolu, Chief Adebutu Keshinten, Chief Afe Babalola and Others.
Explaining the rationale behind the selection of ‘Saidi Balogun’, Professor Temitope Alonge, the Director of U C H, said Mr Balogun is the first Entertainer to be selected as Health Ambassador of UCH in Nigeria. We can recall that, he had a terrible accident in 2006, he was brought back to life by the grace of God at the UCH. He started organising Seminars on health at Protia with the movie Ambassadors.
‘Our choice of Saidi Balogun was because he has proven to be not just a multi-talented award-winning actor, but an inspirational character that excites many Nigerians with his educative and unique movies as well as his health programmes.
‘Baloguns’ rich credentials in Nigerian entertainment industry can add value to the quality health service UCH offers to Nigerians, and choosing him as Health Ambassador was part of rebranding packages to make UCH a World-class Hospital in Nigeria’ he added.
It will be recalled that Saidi Balogun, who now holds the ace as the first Ambassador of a health institution in the country, was miraculously saved from the throes of death after his widely publicized 2006 car accident by the doctors and nurses at UCH, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Ibadan-born actor, producer and director, was full of gratitude to God and all the staff and management of UCH for the great work they did in ensuring that he does not just stay alive but well and complete without being confined to any form of disability.
“I will never forget when the then CMD came to me after I regained consciousness. He asked me if I had faith in Nigerian doctors and nurses and the facilities available at the hospital. I told him I did. At the time, arrangements had been made to fly me abroad for some delicate surgeries but the doctors at UCH carried out all the delicate surgeries and here I am today”, he said.
The elated Mr. Balogun, who expressed his deep appreciation for the honour done him with the ambassadorial role, promised to use every means to promote and propagate the great works of the hospital. He also hinted that he and his team were working round the clock to launch, in no distance future, an NGO to be known as Saidi Balogun Foundation for Accident Victims, which will focus on rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of accident victims.
Moreover, The Adebutu Kessington Getriatic Rehabilitation Centre was commissioned by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The 60th anniversary event also witnessed Lectures and Dinner. It was a week Long Celebration, award were presented to the best Staffs and those who always offer support to UCH.