Honourable (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government Area, has demonstrated yet again the power of compassionate governance through her recent humanitarian gesture at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe.
EpeInsights reports that in an unannounced but deeply impactful move, the Chairman fully offset the medical bills of several indigent patients who had been unable to leave the hospital due to financial constraints, thereby restoring hope and dignity to individuals and families facing some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
The patients, who had received treatment for a variety of conditions ranging from emergency trauma to chronic illnesses and childbirth-related complications, were reportedly discharged immediately following the Chairman’s intervention.
Prior to her assistance, many of them remained in the hospital, not because of medical advice or lingering health issues, but simply because they could not afford the costs associated with their care.
Among the beneficiaries was a young man recovering from a gunshot wound. His treatment had stalled as he was unable to make payments required for continued care.
Another case involved a diabetic patient whose condition had worsened over time due to his inability to pay for essential medication and monitoring.
A woman who had just delivered her baby through spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) was also stranded at the hospital, unable to clear her bills. Another woman with a premature baby had been held back, deeply distressed and without support.
A patient recovering from a bone fracture was similarly immobilized both physically and financially, with no clear path forward until this intervention.
One of the patients, Mrs. Victoria Moses, who had been confined to the neonatal unit with her premature infant, spoke movingly about her ordeal and the unexpected help that came her way.
She recounted how she had resigned herself to fate, with no money for food, let alone hospital bills, and how she had watched as other patients were discharged while she remained behind.
Her desperation turned to overwhelming relief and gratitude when a nurse informed her that the Chairman had paid her bills in full. Overcome with emotion, she described the moment as life-saving, calling Hon. Surah Animashaun a woman of divine grace who gave her family another chance at life.
In her remarks following the gesture, Hon. Animashaun clarified that her action was not a charitable act, but a responsibility she owed to the people she was elected to serve. She expressed her deep conviction that leadership must be felt not only in policy but in tangible, human-centered actions that address the real and immediate needs of citizens.
She noted that healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy, but a basic right accessible to all, regardless of economic status.
She affirmed that as long as she holds office, she would not allow any resident of Epe to be abandoned or left to suffer due to financial hardship.
This intervention is consistent with the Chairman’s broader approach to governance, which prioritizes the welfare of the people and seeks to bridge the gap between public office and everyday realities.
Community members and hospital staff who witnessed the impact of her gesture praised her for leading with empathy and setting an example for others in public service.
The development adds to the growing recognition of Hon. Surah Animashaun as a grassroots leader who brings a human face to governance.
Her continued efforts to alleviate hardship, support healthcare access, and uplift the less privileged have made her a respected and admired figure not only in Epe but across wider circles of governance and civic leadership.
