Obasanjo lauds medical expert, Akinkugbe

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe for his contribution to national development, especially in the areas of medicine, governance, business education, community development and traditions.

Speaking yesterday as chairman of the occasion during the Hanging up the Stethoscope and 85th birthday of the don at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Obasanjo said: “He is a model to many and a symbol of what the young could achieve with commitment and hard work. He has been a reference point for distinction and excellence.”

An erstwhile vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ayodele Falase, described the medical expert as an inspiration.He stressed the need for Nigerians to be innovative.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, represented by one-time Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Abiodun Ilesanmi, described the celebrant as a first-class teacher, clinician, administrator, father, husband and mentor.

On his part, the president of Nigerian Hypertension Society, Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, said Akinkugbe’s contribution to medicine and education was tremendous.

He noted that the scholar remained one of the guiding lights of the fledgling sector having served as vice chancellor in different universities, pioneer chairman of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) and other capacities nationally and internationally.

In his lecture titled, African Health: Matters Arising, the guest lecturer, Sir Eldryd Parry, submitted that improvement in Nigeria’s health care system could improve life expectancy nationwide.

He said the most appropriate way to celebrate Akinkugbe was to get things done for the poor, stressing that this would inspire young professionals to promote Africa’s health industry.The highlight of the event was the handling over of stethoscope by the celebrant to the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge.