Professor John Akíntúndé Ọládọ̀tun Òkènìyì, Professor of Paediatric Cardiology and Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, delivered the 424th Inaugural Lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ilé-Ifẹ̀, titled “State of the Heart: Echoes from Paediatrics, Pulsations and Purpose,” on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at Odùduwà Hall.
The lecture traced his academic and professional journey and showcased more than twenty years of scholarly contributions spanning paediatrics, neonatology, and paediatric cardiology. Professor Okeniyi highlighted landmark research on childhood poisoning, trauma, parasitic diseases, neonatal tetanus, neonatal sepsis, hypoglycaemia, pneumonia-related hypoxaemia, congenital heart disease, sickle-cell cardiomyopathy, and indigenous open-heart surgery.
He emphasised that simple, evidence-based interventions together with strategic investment in advanced cardiac services can significantly reduce childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. He called for strengthened primary healthcare, expanded newborn screening, improved paediatric cardiac infrastructure, and sustained capacity-building for specialists.
Professor Okeniyi reaffirmed his commitment to advancing child health, mentoring future clinicians, and strengthening national care systems. He concluded with a call to action: “If we protect the hearts of our children, we protect the future of our nation.”
Photo credit: Idris Adediran ANIPR & Funminiyi Jayeoba