From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Ogbomoso’s Biomedical Research Hub, Helix Biogen Institute, has made headlines with its latest partnership with the ANESVAD Foundation, an international collaborator, for the advancement of biotechnology and healthcare in Oyo State, Nigeria, Africa, and on a global scale.
Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, Prof. Julius Kola Oloke, and the Head, Microbiology Department, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, the institute, which is being managed by a group of outstanding scientists, researchers, and bioentrepreneur, has been working on ground-breaking innovations in healthcare and biotech.
The collaboration, as gathered, is aiding Ogbomoso’s developing startup environment, Oyo State, and country as a whole as the biomedical industry continues to grow. The partnership is expected to also further the hub’s research and development operations towards Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which economically impact under-developed countries and accelerate partnerships and solutions to advance biotechnology and healthcare on a global scale.
The achievement, Oloke and Koawole said, would not only benefit the Institute, but also reveals the potential of the local business owners and biotechnology advancements, promising a more promising future for Ogbomoso as a groundbreaking biomedical hub.
Kolawole, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan at the weekend, said the institute was dedicated to advancing ground-breaking innovations in both healthcare and biotech sectors, saying: “This noteworthy development illustrates both Ogbomoso’s rise as a centre for biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship as well as the enormous potential of the local startup scene”
He added that due to the constant pursuit of greatness by the researchers, the institute was being noticed by the international collaborators and investors who are interested in the biomedical progress of ongoing projects at the institute.
Kolawole enthused that the institute had previous record of COVID-19 candidates vaccine already enlisted by World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Adeleke University, Ede and Trinity Immunoeficient Laboratory,Ogbomoso, among others.
The university don expressed the optimism that the partnership between the Institute and ANESVAD Foundation would be mutually beneficial, noting that “This international contribution will enable Helix Biogen Institute to further up its biomedical research and development operations on point-of care diagnostic kits development toward Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which has economically impacted the under developed countries”
Continuing, he explained further that “The relationship with ANESVAD Foundation will make it easier to recruit top individuals and expand cutting-edge laboratory capabilities, thereby contributing to the economic growth of Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria as whole.As a result, the hub will be able to accelerate meaningful partnerships with top universities and related stakeholders to further its creative solutions. Ogbomoso is already firmly established as a thriving biomedical innovation hub, ready to draw more interest and funding”
Kolawole maintained that the Institute was in a good position to take advantage of the knowledge and contacts of its foreign investors and collaborators as it begins this new chapter.
“The hub is well-positioned to succeed even more by cultivating solid relationships and embracing a collaborative attitude.This achievement is advantageous not just to Helix Biogen Institute but also has far-reaching implications for the advancement of biotechnology and healthcare on a global scale”
He asserted that the choice of the foreign collaborators to support the Institute represents a turning moment for the startup ecosystem in Ogbomoso and its environ, noting that “it demonstrates the region’s propensity for creativity as well as the amazing potential of local business owners. Helix Biogen Institute is well-positioned to make tremendous progress toward revolutionizing biotechnology and enhancing lives with this fresh infusion of funding and assistance.
“The future of Ogbomoso as a center for cutting-edge businesses is more promising than ever, and the entire community can anticipate the revolutionary effects this relationship will have.”