The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex honoured renowned psychiatrist and former Chief Medical Director, Prof. Roger Olatokunbo Aderibigbe Makanjuola, during the 16th anniversary celebration of the CAREMI Foundation. The Foundation for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Mentally ill (CAREMI) was founded by Prof. Makanjuola to provide care and support for the mentally ill in the society.
The event, held on Monday 5th May, 2026, at the African Centre of Excellence Main Auditorium of the Obafemi Awolowo University, also formed part of activities marking Makanjuola’s 80th birthday celebrated on April 4, 2026.
Presenting the award on behalf of the hospital management and staff, the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, described Makanjuola as a visionary leader whose contributions to medical education, compassionate healthcare delivery and exemplary leadership had greatly impacted OAUTHC and the Nigerian health sector.
Okeniyi commended the former CMD for his dedication to mental healthcare advocacy and his role in advancing psychiatric services in Nigeria through the CAREMI Foundation.
Speaking during the programme, Makanjuola said the foundation was established in 2010 to provide treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration for mentally ill patients, particularly those unable to afford healthcare services.
According to him, the organisation also supports socially and economically disadvantaged persons while promoting mental health advocacy and community-based healthcare projects.
He explained that the foundation’s community mental health project in Ipetumodu was designed in line with the World Health Organization’s model of integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare systems.
Makanjuola disclosed that CAREMI trains primary healthcare workers in mental healthcare, while psychiatrists from teaching hospitals provide supervision and referral support.
He added that the foundation had previously partnered with the Osun State Government on the treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill persons living on the streets.
The erudite professor, however, identified inadequate funding and shortage of active members as major challenges confronting the foundation.
He appealed to organisations and individuals to support the rehabilitation of mentally ill patients, stressing that mental illnesses are treatable with proper care and support.
Photo Credit: Badru Jamiu
