The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the renaming of the radiotherapy centre at the National Hospital, Abuja, in honour of former First Lady Maryam Abacha.

She made the appeal during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the National Hospital, Abuja (NHA), which was themed “Celebrating 25 years of Quality Services and Expert Care.”

She said the establishment of the hospital was made possible by Maryam Abacha’s foresight and efforts, and that renaming the cancer centre would serve as a tribute to her contributions.

Senator Tinubu also acknowledged the hospital’s significant impact on healthcare provision in Nigeria and beyond, noting its role in training specialised personnel for the healthcare sector.

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She urged the hospital’s staff and management to maintain resilience and continue striving for excellence in providing quality medical care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, reflected on the hospital’s expansion over the past 25 years, noting its growing scope, from catering to women and children to offering a wide range of medical services.

He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising healthcare and investing in the well-being of Nigerians.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Mahmud Raji, reported that the hospital has significantly reduced its dependence on government funding and increased its internally generated revenue to ensure sustainability.

Plans to establish a world-class neurosciences institute and construct a presidential wing at the hospital were also discussed.