By Duchess Ifeoluwa
There were scenes of joy, gratitude and emotional celebration in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as Elizade University commemorated the 88th birthday of its Founder, renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, OON, with a large-scale free medical outreach that brought lifesaving healthcare services to hundreds of residents.
The humanitarian programme, held at the Palace Town Hall in Ilara-Mokin, provided free medical consultations, health screenings, counselling services, medications and other essential healthcare interventions to more than 500 residents drawn from the host community and neighbouring towns.
The outreach formed part of activities marking the Founder’s 88th birthday and reflected his enduring commitment to philanthropy, community development and the wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians.
The event attracted medical professionals, university administrators, traditional leaders, community members and beneficiaries, many of whom described the initiative as timely and impactful.
Speaking during the programme, the Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Philip Oguntunde, said the outreach represented one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate a man whose life has been devoted to service and the advancement of humanity.
According to him, the initiative was both an expression of gratitude to God for preserving the life of Chief Ade. Ojo and a practical demonstration of the university’s commitment to community service, which remains one of its core mandates.
“There is no better way to celebrate a great man than by positively impacting the lives of people, alleviating their pains, reducing their burdens, and putting smiles on their faces,” Oguntunde said.
He noted that the university remains committed to extending the benefits of its knowledge and resources beyond the classroom to surrounding communities.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the institution, Mr Omololu Adegbenro, paid glowing tribute to the Founder, describing him as a visionary leader whose investments and philanthropy have transformed Ilara-Mokin and placed the community on the global map.
Adegbenro highlighted some of the landmark projects associated with Chief Ade. Ojo, including the establishment of Elizade University, the internationally acclaimed Smokin Hills Golf Resort, road infrastructure projects, scholarship schemes, employment opportunities and numerous social intervention programmes.
“Chief Michael Ade. Ojo’s generosity and commitment to development have made Ilara-Mokin a reference point for progress and excellence. We pray that God grants him many more years in sound health, wisdom and strength,” he said.
The Chief Medical Director of Elizade University and Consultant Physician, Dr Lanre Olatunde, explained that the medical outreach was designed not only to celebrate the Founder but also to advance the university’s Corporate Social Responsibility objectives.
He stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and early disease detection, noting that many serious health conditions can be effectively managed when identified early.
“Community health outreach programmes like this enable us to identify diseases at an early stage, provide timely interventions, and educate people on healthy living.
Preventive healthcare remains one of the most effective tools for building healthier communities,” Olatunde said.
Held under the theme, ‘A Legacy, A Vision, A Lasting Impact,’ the outreach witnessed an overwhelming turnout of residents who seized the opportunity to receive free medical attention from qualified healthcare professionals.
For many beneficiaries, the exercise provided access to quality healthcare services that would otherwise have been difficult to afford.
The highlight of the celebration was the arrival of Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, accompanied by his wife and members of his family.
The elder statesman was welcomed with enthusiastic cheers, applause and spontaneous renditions of birthday songs by grateful residents, university staff and well-wishers who gathered to honour him.
In an atmosphere of excitement and appreciation, Chief Ade. Ojo cut his 88th birthday cake amid loud celebrations, symbolising a life devoted to service, generosity and nation-building.
Visibly moved by the reception, the Founder commended the management and staff of Elizade University for organising the outreach and reaffirmed his commitment to programmes that promote human development and community empowerment.
He stressed that access to quality healthcare remains fundamental to societal progress and pledged continued support for initiatives that improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Chief Ade. Ojo noted that meaningful development must be measured not only by economic growth but also by the wellbeing of the people.
The event further reinforced Elizade University’s reputation as an institution committed to combining academic excellence with social responsibility and community engagement.
As beneficiaries departed the venue with medications, medical advice and renewed hope, many expressed appreciation to the university and its Founder for what they described as a life-changing intervention.
