Over 150 Benefit from Free Medical Outreach Honouring Dr Adewunmi Abitoye’s 84th Birthday
No fewer than 150 individuals benefited from free medical services provided by the children of the former Minister of State for Education, Dr Adewunmi Abitoye, to mark his 84th birthday anniversary.
The outreach, held on Saturday, 14th June 2024, at his hospital in Ijoka, Akure, featured free consultations, diagnostic tests, treatments, and the distribution of safe sex materials such as condoms and female lubricants.
Speaking on the initiative, Mrs Bolaji Abitoye-Oyedele, the first child of the celebrant, explained that the medical outreach was conceived as a meaningful way to honour their father and sustain his legacy of compassion and service.
According to her, the outreach was designed to promote good health through early detection of common illnesses and as a way to give back to the community that has supported his hospital over the years.
“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.”
Chief Benjamin Abitoye, the celebrant’s first son, also described his father as “a brilliant medical doctor with a heart full of care, a walking blend of wisdom, wit, and a born leader.”
Joining in from the diaspora, Dr Toyin Abitoye, a US-based son, described their father as “a living embodiment of generosity whose life’s motto exemplifies giving back to one’s community.”
“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 for those in need. This is the third year of the outreach, and we have committed to making it an annual event indefinitely.”
Dr Somidotun Abitoye, another son who was part of the medical team, emphasised that the outreach was also a gesture of appreciation to patients who have been 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. Most of the attendees are adults, and we have four doctors on site, including myself.”
In his reaction, Dr Adewunmi Abitoye expressed heartfelt joy and fulfilment, noting the unity of his children in championing such a noble cause.
In their separate reactions , the beneficiaries express their happiness for the good gesture . A beneficiary said: “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. 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.”
Advising the public, Dr Abitoye encouraged regular medical check-ups, noting that although they may not eliminate untimely death, they significantly contribute to a longer, healthier life.
“Don’t wait until pain or disability sets in. Take care of yourself. Good health habits and early detection can prolong life.”
The beneficiaries were visibly elated, with many describing the outreach as timely, given the high cost of healthcare services in the country.
A nursing mother, Mrs Adigun Olayinka, praised the family’s gesture and called on governments and stakeholders in the health sector to emulate such initiatives.
Thirty-four-year-old Owolanke Oluwasegun expressed happiness at finally benefiting from the outreach after missing it in previous years.
Also speaking, Mrs Omoniyi Elizabeth noted, “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 outreach as a rare act of selflessness. “It takes a good heart to offer this kind of service. I pray God renews Dr Abitoye’s strength for more impactful years ahead.”
