THE immunisation ward at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State is wearing a new look courtesy of the gesture of Dr Abbey Akinoshun Foundation (DAAF).
The hospital, which has been adopted by DAAF for its philanthropic activities, recently saw the non-governmental organisation (NGO) renovating the immunisation ward to make it more conducive for healthworkers and children.
The latest gesture is to celebrate the 60th birthday of the founder of the organisation, Dr Abbey Akinoshun, which will be coming up on December 5.
Dr Akinoshun, who is based in the United Kingdom, recently visited Nigeria to inspect the work done at the immunisation ward.
Part of the renovation done include the re-painting of the ward, provision of chairs, fans, among others.
Speaking during his inspection of the ward, Dr Akinoshun said giving back to the society is what gives 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 he could bring it to Nigeria to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged.
He said a lot of Nigerians need support and in some cases, it could lead to loss of life if urgent support is not given, “and that is why I am channeling my resources to assist the underprivileged.
“My hope is that other well-to-do Nigerians will also look round and see their there is something to be done to assist those in need.
“The government is trying, but the government cannot do everything and that is why if everyone plays his role, then the society will be the better for it.
“I, therefore, hope that through what DAAF is doing, one or two people will also be inspired to also come to the aid of people around them.”
While responding, a nurse at 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 periodically with cash and drugs, which she said has gone a long way in easing the burden of the underprivileged accessing healthcare.
“I really want to commend DAAF and its founder, Dr Abbey Akinoshun for the support always. When one is passionate about something, then it is from God; it can’t be forced and this is what we see in Dr Akinoshun.
“We really appreciate him and other Nigerians who have been supporting the underprivileged in the society.
“When the ward if fully completed, we will write to the ministry of health to intimate it about the development and the ministry will send a letter of appreciation to DAAF and Dr Akinoshun.
“The truth is that government is really doing a good job in the provision of healthcare and it also appreciates those who support it, so officials of the ministry of health will come to inspect the ward when it is finally completed and it will write a letter of appreciation to DAAF.
“I also want to state that there are other Nigerians who have also been so supportive of government and Dr Akinoshun is one of them and for this, we are grateful.”
Mrs Abioye-Amao then listed other areas where DAAF can also continue to support the hospital.
After the inspection by Dr Akinoshun, the board of DAAF then used the opportunity to honour the founder by presenting him a humanitarian award.
Others who were also presented with the humanitarian award are Reverend Abiodun Lasebikan, Mr Olusegun Ajisafe and Mrs Fola Akinoshun, with the director, of DAAF, Mr Adewale Onipede, saying the award was to show the foundation’s appreciation for their roles in the activities of the foundation in 2024.
Mr Onipede said nothing much would have been achieved without the support of those awarded and even others who are yet to be formally recognised for their support in bringing succor to the underprivileged.
“We go to the Adeoyo Hospital periodically to donate to people in need; we buy drugs, bring money for those who need financial support, we also organise festive season support to the elderly and all these come with serious logistics.
“There are people behind DAAF and that is why we have recognised these people, but at the same time, there are people who also work behind the scene to get things done, like during the renovation of the children’s ward, we have our people who come here to monitor the progress of the work on a daily basis. So we are appreciating all these people.”
Earlier, DAAF officials were at the primary school of Dr Akinoshun, NW5 Baptist Primary School, Inalende, where he donated school materials, including uniforms and books to pupils.
Dr Akinoshun also award scholarships to brilliant but indigent pupils, with the scholarship seeing them through their secondary education free of charge.
Speaking on the gesture, Dr Akinoshun said when the pupils see somebody who was once like them, “somebody who passed through their school giving back, then they will be motivated to also work hard so that they can also turn out well in life.
“It is as a result of this that I am doing what I am doing; I hope I will be able to inspire more people who will also start thinking about what they can do for those around them who are in need.
“It is not when one is a millionaire that one can impact lives; with the little one has, one can impact lives, and even, impacting lives may not be about money, it may be about offering psychological support to people in emotional distress, and so on.”
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