Jean-Marie Coquard

Jean-Marie Coquard, SMA (27 November 1859 – 27 June 1933) was a French Christian medical missionary who traveled to Abeokuta, Nigeria, which is the capital of the Ogun State, to provide surgery and care. He was supervisor and visitor at the Abeokuta missionary and doctor to the Egba Government and Royal Family. He established the Sacred Heart Hospital in Abeokuta, and was the longest serving missionary of the Society of African Missions, receiving an OBE for his work. Coquard was the second child and only son of Marie Louise and Francois-Marie Coquard, a paludier and cattle farmer.

Upon his arrival in Abeokuta in 1890, Coquard was put in charge of medical work at the mission dispensary under the guidance of Fr. Justin François. In 1893, he was officially put in charge of the dispensary.

Death and legacy In 1933, Coquard died in Abeokuta. He is remembered for his 43 years of missionary work in Yorubaland, only returning to Europe twice. He bronze statue was erected in front of the original hospital in Coquard's honor. The following day, a mass was held to repose his soul.