THE immunization ward at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State, sports a new look, courtesy the gesture of the Dr. Abbey Akinoshun Foundation (DAAF).
At the hospital, which has been adopted by DAAF for its philanthropic activities, the non-governmental organization (NGO) recently renovated the immunization room to make it more conducive to healthcare workers and children.
The latest gesture is to celebrate the 60th birthday of the organization's founder, Dr. Abbey Akinoshun, which will be celebrated on December 5.
Dr Akinoshun, who is based in the United Kingdom, recently visited Nigeria to inspect the work carried out in the immunization room.
Part of the remodeling carried out includes repainting the pavilion, providing chairs, fans, among others.
During his inspection of the ward, Dr Akinoshun said giving back to society is what brings him joy, adding that while many people were already planning to celebrate a big 60th birthday for him, he said they should donate the resources to DAAF so that I could bring it to Nigeria to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged.
He said many Nigerians need support and in some cases it could lead to loss of life if urgent support is not provided, “and that is why I am channeling my resources to help the underprivileged.
“My hope is that other well-off Nigerians will also look around and see that there is something to do to help those in need.
“The government is trying, but it cannot do everything and that is why, if everyone plays their role, society will be better.
“So, I hope that through what DAAF is doing, one or two people will also feel inspired to help those around them.”
While responding, a nurse from the children's department of the hospital, Mrs. Deborah Abioye-Amao, thanked Dr. Akinoshun for the gesture.
She said that apart from the renovation of the ward, DAAF has also been supporting patients regularly with cash and medicines, which she said has gone a long way in easing the burden on the underprivileged accessing care. medical.
“I really want to congratulate DAAF and its founder, Dr. Abbey Akinoshun, for their support always. When one is passionate about something, then it is from God; It cannot be forced and this is what we see in Dr. Akinoshun.
“We really appreciate him and other Nigerians who have supported the underprivileged in the society.
“When the ward is completely completed, we will write to the Ministry of Health to inform them of the development and the ministry will send a letter of thanks to DAAF and Dr Akinoshun.
“The truth is that the government is really doing a good job in providing healthcare and also appreciates those who support it, so officials from the Ministry of Health will come to inspect the ward when it is finally completed and will write a letter. of thanks to DAAF.
“I also want to point out that there are other Nigerians who have also been very supportive of the government and Dr. Akinoshun is one of them and for that we are grateful.”
Mrs Abioye-Amao then listed other areas where DAAF can also continue to support the hospital.
Following the inspection by Dr. Akinoshun, the DAAF board of directors took the opportunity to honor the founder by presenting him with a humanitarian award.
Others who also received the humanitarian award are Reverend Abiodun Lasebikan, Olusegun Ajisafe and Fola Akinoshun, and the Director of DAAF, Adewale Onipede, said the award was to show the foundation's appreciation for their role in the foundation's activities in 2024.
Onipede said not much would have been achieved without the support of the awardees and even others who are yet to be formally recognized for their support in helping the underprivileged.
“We go to Adeoyo Hospital periodically to donate to people in need; We buy medicines, we bring money for those who need financial support, we also organize holiday support for the elderly and all this comes with serious logistics.
“There are people behind DAAF and that is why we have recognized them, but at the same time, there are people who also work behind the scenes to get things done, like during the renovation of the children's pavilion, we have our people who come here to monitor work progress daily. That's why we appreciate all these people.”
Earlier, DAAF officials were at Dr Akinoshun's primary school, NW5 Baptist Primary School, Inalende, where he donated school supplies, including uniforms and books, to the pupils.
Dr. Akinoshun also awards scholarships to bright but indigent students, and the scholarship helps them complete their secondary education for free.
Speaking about the gesture, Dr. Akinoshun said that when students see someone who was once like them, “someone who passed through their school giving something, then they will be motivated to work hard so that they can also perform well in life.
“It is because of this that I am doing what I am doing; I hope I can inspire more people to also start thinking about what they can do for those who need them.
“It is not when you are a millionaire that you can impact lives; With the little that one has one can impact lives, and even impacting lives may not be a question of money, it may be about offering psychological support to people with emotional distress, etc. “