AKURE – More than 150 residents of Akure benefited from free medical services on Saturday, June 14, 2024, as the children of the Former Minister of State for Education, Dr. Adewunmi Abitoye, marked his 84th birthday with a medical outreach held at his hospital in Ijoka, Akure.
The health outreach, now in its third year, featured free consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment of common ailments, and the distribution of safe sex materials, including condoms and female lubricants.
Mrs. Bolaji Abitoye-Oyedele, the celebrant’s first child, said the initiative was conceived as a meaningful tribute to their father’s lifelong commitment to public service and healthcare.
“It is a worthy celebration of a life dedicated to kindness and service. I remain thankful to all my siblings who contributed to its success and pray for God’s continued blessings upon our father,” she said.
She added that the outreach was aimed at promoting early detection of illnesses and giving back to the community that had supported the hospital for decades.
“This was designed not just as a birthday celebration, but as a community service, a continuation of what our father has always believed in—caring for others,” she noted.
Joining virtually from the United States, Dr. Toyin Abitoye described their father as a beacon of generosity.
“Growing up, Dad was a well-known physician in Ondo State. We, his children, believe that the least we can do at this stage of his life is to continue his legacy of free healthcare to those in need. This is the third year of the outreach, and we have committed to making it an annual event indefinitely,” he said.
Chief Benjamin Abitoye, the celebrant’s first son, praised their father as a man whose life reflects brilliance, leadership, and compassion.
“He is a brilliant medical doctor with a heart full of care, a walking blend of wisdom, wit, and a born leader.”
Another son, Dr. Somidotun Abitoye, who was part of the medical team, explained that the outreach also served as an appreciation to the patients who had remained loyal to Abitoye’s hospital over the years.
“Today, we’re offering a wide range of services—malaria treatment, antibiotics, HIV tests, hepatitis screening, vital sign checks, blood pressure monitoring, and random blood sugar tests. We have mostly adults and have four doctors on ground, including myself,” he said.
In an emotional response, the celebrant, Dr. Adewunmi Abitoye, expressed profound gratitude and pride in his children.
“I’m so grateful. I never imagined it would turn out like this. My children have organised themselves well, cooperating in love to run this annual outreach,” he said.
“Their unity and support bring me immense joy and pride. When I sit among my peers, I can boldly say, ‘I have a family,’ and I am forever grateful to God.”
He advised the public on the importance of routine health checks.
“Don’t wait until pain or disability sets in. Take care of yourself. Good health habits and early detection can prolong life. They may not stop untimely death, but they help you live healthier and longer.”
Beneficiaries Laud Initiative
Beneficiaries of the free outreach expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and life-saving in light of Nigeria’s rising healthcare costs.
Mrs. Adigun Olayinka, a nursing mother, praised the Abitoye family and urged government and health stakeholders to replicate such efforts.
“This is an amazing gesture. It came at a time when many people can’t even afford hospital bills. God bless the Abitoye family.”
Owolanke Oluwasegun, 34, who had missed the outreach in previous years, shared his delight at finally benefiting.
“I’m glad I made it this year. The services were thorough and professional. It means a lot to people like me who can’t always afford medical tests.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Omoniyi Elizabeth, said initiatives like this would bridge the healthcare access gap for ordinary citizens.
“If more doctors embrace this kind of initiative, healthcare would become more accessible to ordinary citizens. Many people here today were already managing illnesses but couldn’t afford treatment until now.”
Mrs. Ruth Adu described the event as an act of rare compassion.
“It takes a good heart to offer this kind of service. I pray God renews Dr. Abitoye’s strength for more impactful years ahead.”
As the outreach concluded, smiles lit up the faces of hundreds who received care, testifying not just to a birthday celebration, but a legacy of love and service carried forward by a grateful family.
