Subomi Balogun at 88: Over 500 Ogun residents receive free medical care
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The management of Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre, Ijebu Ode, an annex of University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan has provided free medical care for over 500 residents of Ijebu Ode and its environs.
The three days free medical care held at Oke Aje Market, New Market and Erinlu all within Ijebu Ode metropoli saw many residents of these areas being examined and treated for ailments such as high blood pressure, malaria, infections, diabetes amidst medical counseling too while those who needed further medical care were given referrals.
In his address during the medical interventions, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Adedayo Williams disclosed that the gesture was to commemorate the 88th birthday of the banking guru and philanthropist, Otunba Subomi Balogun who donated the world class hospital to University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.
Dr Adedayo Williams disclosed that there was no better way to celebrate the birthday of Otunba Subomi Balogun, the founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) who he described as an humanist par excellence than to go out and try to make a difference in the life of the people of Ijebu Ode and its environs through free medical outreach.
He said “everyone knows that aside being an highly cerebral business mogul, Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun is equally a philanthropist of note. His love for the people is so real great and legendary, particularly for their health because we are all aware that health is wealth. This was why he single handedly built Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre and gave it out to UCH.
“So, what we are doing as part of our contributions to celebrate his 88 birthday is nothing unusual, we are only trying to emulate our Baba who derives so much joy in touching lives. It is a three day programme and we have been at two different places, Oke Aje Market, New Market for Monday and Tuesday and today, Wednesday, we are at Erinlu which is the neighborhood where Baba lives.
“The doctors, the nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists are on ground. People are having their blood pressure checked, their weight and height too. They are being given drugs. Those who need to do further tests like blood sugar, malaria, typhoid and the likes are being attended to as well.
“Those who need further medical care too are being given referrals, medical counseling is also being provided and the ultimate aim is to just ensure that our people have good health just like it is so paramount to our benefactor and donor, Oloriomoba Michael Subomi Balogun. Let me also add that over 500 people have so far benefitted from this free medical outreach”.
Speaking at the occasion, the Olowu of Owu Ijebu, Oba Segun Adesina as well as a community leader, Col Anthony Olatunde Awote (rtd) were full of gratitude to God for sparing Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun to celebrate 88 years on the earth surface.
They both lauded FCMB founder for choosing humanity above every other priorities.
Oba Adesina described the FCMB founder as lover of humanity who has remained committed to using his hard earned resources to put smiles on the faces of so many people across the world.
The royal father said “here is a man who does not only give people scholarships, he also ensures that they have job doing after schooling. Central to all his activities is to touch lives of others. This is why I am commending the management and staff of Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre for emulating their donor by choosing to use the auspicious occasion of his 88th birthday to also make meaning in the lives of the people.
“This is how it should be, birthday necessarily should not be about eating and drinking but touching lives and making impact. My prayer is that God will preserve Otunba Subomi Balogun to celebrate many more years in sound health and prosperity”.
The Head of administration of the health facility, Mr Yinka Ojo, while rejoicing with Otunba Subomi Balogun as he clocks 88 prayed that the almighty God will strengthen the philanthropist to celebrate many more years in his service to uplifting humanity.
Ojo said that the Tunwase National Paediatric Centre offers highly qualitative and affordable healthcare that cuts across other areas of medicine and not only for maternity and issues affecting the children.
He said that the hospital has done nothing spectacular with the free medical outreach but was only following closely the footsteps of their donor, Otunba Subomi Balogun who has remained committed to uplifting humanity even in his old age.
