The Department of Ophthalmology, Obafemi Awolowo University and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Complex, Ile-Ife, held her First Annual Lecture at the OAUTHC Auditorium.
The resonating theme, “The Impact of Human Resources on Eye Care Service Delivery and Prevention of Blindness,” echoed a clarion call to action against the looming spectre of preventable blindness.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Feyi Adepoju of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ilorin, during her lecture, noted that globally, a person goes blind every 5 seconds, and at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment or blind.
One billion of these are avoidable (preventable and curable). In Nigeria, studies have shown that an estimated 1.13 million individuals above age 40 are currently blind, 2.7 million adults above the age of 40 have moderate visual impairment, and 0.4 million adults have Severe Visual Impairment. With impassioned conviction, Prof. Adepoju stressed the pivotal role of a robust human infrastructure in the battle against visual impairment, urging relentless vigilance in eye care practices.
The gathering was a constellation of luminaries, graced by the presence of eminent figures, including the Obafemi Awolowo University Vice Chancellor, Prof Simeon Bamire; OAUTHC Chief Medical Director, Prof John Okeniyi; OAU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Development, Prof Akanni Akinyemi; OAU former Vice Chancellor, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede.
The event was chaired by Mr Bode Adediji, the Group Executive Chairman of Bode Adediji Partnership, Kontinental Developers Nigeria Limited and House of Estate International Limited. As a renowned philanthropist, Bode Adediji’s professional and business endeavours cut across many sectors of the Nigerian economy, including Real Estate, Health, and Education.
The climax of the event was marked by the presentation of awards to well-meaning Nigerians for their exemplary philanthropic contributions to healthcare – individuals whose benevolence has indelibly touched the fabric of healthcare in the country.
This includes Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Mutual Benefits Group, who has continued to create wealth for the nation by establishing many viable and well-managed businesses. Another awardee is Alhaja Sherifat Sarumi, who has made indelible marks by spearheading transformative initiatives and interventions within OAUTHC and beyond.
Similarly, Mr Muritala Ibrahim, a successful entrepreneur whose contributions to the health sector have bettered the lives of thousands was also awarded.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof John Okeniyi, acknowledged and appreciated the Department of Ophthalmology for organizing the event. He also appreciated the awardees for their kind gesture and support towards the development of the hospital over the years.
