By Josephine Nwachukwu
All roads leads to Irrua, the hinterland home of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished military and political figures, the late Admiral Augustus Akhabue Aikhomu on February 15.
This day, friends, family and admirers will gather at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, ISTH, to launch the Augustus Aikhomu Accident and Emergency Foundation in a gesture to mark a significant milestone in advancing emergency medical care and preserving the legacy of one-time Chief of General Staff and de facto Vice President during the Babangida Era. He passed on in 2011 aged 72.
The Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of ISTH, Professor Reuben A. Eifediyi is inviting top government officials, military personnel, healthcare professionals, and international partners to the event.
Admiral Aikhomu was a trailblazer in Nigeria’s military and political history, serving as Nigeria’s first Black Admiral, former Chief of General Staff, and Vice President from 1986 to 1993. Beyond his decorated military career, Aikhomu was a visionary leader who prioritized national development, particularly in healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
Legacies
One of his most impactful legacies was the establishment of the 375-bed ISTH in 1991, which has since become a cornerstone for emergency medical services and infectious disease research in Nigeria. Recognizing the urgent need for improved healthcare access, especially in rural areas, he championed initiatives that brought specialized medical care closer to underserved communities.
The hospital has grown to become a leading institution in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly for its groundbreaking work in managing Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases. In 2001, the Federal Ministry of Health designated the hospital as a Centre of Excellence for the management and control of Lassa fever, reinforcing its national importance.
The hospital’s role expanded in 2007, when its research division was upgraded to an institute, later renamed the Institute of Viral and Emergent Pathogens Control and Research in 2023. This transformation was approved under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and in line with the expansion policy of Prof. Eifediyi.
Today, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital maintains global research partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Tulane University, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the Bernard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine in Germany, further strengthening Nigeria’s role in international health research.
To immortalize his contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the hospital has named its state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency Complex after him. Additionally, the Editorial Board of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital News, in collaboration with Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Management and the Board of Trustees, has published a special commemorative edition chronicling his life and achievements.
Feats at ISTH
Beyond infrastructure, the Board of Management has also instituted a biennial award for outstanding research in rural and sub-urban medicine, particularly focusing on Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. This initiative’s aims to encourage scientific innovation and recognize those making significant contributions to medical research.
“The upcoming inauguration will officially establish the Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Accident and Emergency Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving emergency medical response, supporting research, and enhancing healthcare accessibility across Nigeria.
“This momentous event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including top government officials, military leaders, medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers, all of whom have been impacted by Aikhomu’s legacy.
“The inauguration ceremony is not just a celebration of a national hero—it is also a call to action for stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare and emergency response sectors. Those passionate about improving medical services and disaster preparedness are encouraged to support and collaborate with the foundation in its mission to advance emergency care nationwide”, said Prof Eifediyi.
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