Abiodun, Buhari Celebrate Nigeria's First Professor of Medicine at 98

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State is full of joy celebrating  Nigeria's first Professor of Medicine, Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi, who turned 98 on Monday.

Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, says the likes of Prof. Ogunlesi are the reason Ogun earned its status as the Nation's Number One State 

"I congratulate Prof. Ogunlesi, not only for clocking 98 today, but for spending his time in impacting the society and influencing the body of knowledge in the field of Medicine.

"We are proud of his contributions to the development of medical practice as the very first professor in that field and for the training of many generations of scholars, policy makers and practitioners who took after him to expand the frontiers of knowledge in tropical medicine and human capacity development. Footprints like his earned our State it's status as the Nation's Gateway". Abiodun was quoted to be saying in the statement.

The governor appreciated the life and times of the iconic medical doctor and researcher, which according to him, are selfless, virtuous and exemplary.

"He is also a decent family man, devout Christian and community leader", the statement further said.

The governor, also prayed that: "the Good Lord will uphold his family and grant the learned doctor the grace to see Nigeria overcome some of the challenges, especially, in the health sector," adding that it will be a fitting tribute if his junior colleagues in medical research devote more time to help us find solution to some of the medical challenges we now face, especially, COVID-19", Gov. Abiodun said.

Also President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated with the first Nigerian Professor of Medicine, Professor Emeritus Oladipo Ogunlesi, on his 98th birthday.

Buhari in a statement in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “ congratulated the Doyen of medical practice and first Professor of Medicine in Nigeria, Professor Emeritus Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, who turns 98th on July 12, 2021.

“The President recognises Professor Ogunlesi’s contribution to the growth of medicine, especially by spearheading the training of generations of Nigerians many of whom became vice chancellors of universities, ministers of health, and distinguished medical professionals in Nigeria and across the globe.

“President Buhari thanks the eminent professor for giving the best of his life for the service of his immediate family, the Nigerian nation, and the medical profession across the world.

“He felicitates with the Ogunlesi family and prays for the Professor Emeritus’ good health, the grace of God, and more years of service to Nigeria and humanity.”