St. Ives Hospital Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Compassionate Healthcare

St. Ives Specialist Hospital has officially commenced celebrations of its 30th anniversary with a media press briefing, reflecting on three decades of delivering quality healthcare, pioneering fertility treatment, and improving the lives of thousands of families across Nigeria.

The event brought together members of the media, board members, management, partners, and other distinguished guests to commemorate the hospital’s remarkable journey since opening its doors on July 10, 1996

Welcoming guests to the briefing, Mrs. Ajibola Busola, Chief Operating Officer, described the anniversary as more than a celebration of longevity, calling it a celebration of “a legacy of excellence, compassion, and innovation in healthcare.”

She noted that from humble beginnings, St. Ives Specialist Hospital has grown into one of Nigeria’s most trusted healthcare institutions, touching countless lives through its commitment to quality medical care and patient-centred service. She highlighted the hospital’s steady growth over the years, its expanding digital community of over 30,000 Instagram followers, and its recent recognition as IVF Hospital of the Year, describing the award as another affirmation of the hospital’s leadership in reproductive healthcare.

Mrs. Busola expressed profound appreciation to the hospital’s Board of Directors, management team, staff, partners, patients, and members of the media for their unwavering support throughout the hospital’s journey. She emphasized that the achievements recorded over the past three decades were the result of a shared commitment to excellence and service.

She also paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Dr. Babatunde Okewale, describing him as the driving force behind the institution’s growth and success, before inviting him to share the hospital’s 30-year journey and future aspirations.

Taking the stage, Dr. Babatunde Okewale, Group Medical Director, reflected on the hospital’s evolution from its first location at 34 Aromire Avenue, Adeniyi Jones, into a leading multi-specialist healthcare institution with multiple branches across Lagos and Ogun State.

“We started with a clear purpose—to serve women, children and families with healthcare they could rely on,” he said.

Dr. Okewale recounted the hospital’s deliberate expansion from Aromire Avenue to Opebi before establishing its current headquarters on Salvation Road, Ikeja, and subsequently opening branches in Ikoyi, Abeokuta, Akowonjo, Festac, and Eko Atlantic.

He explained that while the hospital has expanded physically, its mission has remained firmly rooted in providing specialist care in women’s health, paediatrics, family medicine, and fertility treatment.

Highlighting one of the hospital’s most significant achievements, Dr. Okewale disclosed that St. Ives has maintained an overall IVF success rate of approximately 55% over the years, a figure that has helped establish it as one of Nigeria’s leading fertility centres. He further revealed that the hospital has successfully delivered more than 4,000 babies through its fertility programme, bringing hope and joy to thousands of families who had struggled with infertility.

“Our fertility clinic has become one of the most trusted in Nigeria, and over the years, our IVF programme has given many couples who struggled to conceive the opportunity to become parents,” he said.

The Group Medical Director also noted that the hospital’s commitment to quality has earned it SafeCare 4-Star Accreditation, reflecting internationally recognised standards in patient care, clinical governance, and healthcare delivery.

Looking beyond the anniversary celebration, Dr. Okewale emphasized that the next phase of the hospital’s journey is focused on building a lasting institution.

“Today, as we celebrate thirty years, our focus shifts to legacy. We are building St. Ives to outlast any one individual, with the structures, people, and standards in place for the next generation to continue this vision and grow it further.”

As St. Ives Specialist Hospital celebrates three decades of excellence, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, quality healthcare, patient-centred service, and expanding access to specialist medical care for more families across Nigeria.

The anniversary celebration serves not only as a reflection on 30 years of impact but also as the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing medical excellence for generations to come.