HOW ELIZADE UNIVERSITY FOUNDER, CHIEF ADE OJO MARKED 88TH BIRTHDAY WITH MEDICAL OUTREACH
…As No Fewer Than 500 Residents benefit
…Outreach One Of The Most Ways To Honour Founder’s Contributions To Society – Varsity VC Oguntunde
Cheers, Tears of Joy as Elizade University Marks Founder’s 88th Birthday with Massive Free Lifesaving Medical Outreach
More than 500 residents of Ilara-Mokin and neighbouring communities received free medical care as Elizade University commemorated the 88th birthday of its Founder, renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, OON, with a large-scale medical outreach designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the people.
The humanitarian initiative, held at the Palace Town Hall in Ilara-Mokin, underscored Chief Ade. Ojo’s enduring legacy of compassion, service to humanity, and commitment to community development.
The programme brought together medical professionals, university administrators, traditional leaders, community members, and beneficiaries in a celebration that combined healthcare delivery with heartfelt appreciation for a man whose impact has transformed lives across generations.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Philip Oguntunde, described the outreach as one of the most fitting ways to honour the Founder’s remarkable life and contributions to society.
According to him, the programme was not only an expression of gratitude to God for preserving Chief Ade.
Ojo’s life but also a practical demonstration of the University’s commitment to one of its core mandates—community service.
“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,” Professor Oguntunde said.
The Registrar of the University, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro, paid glowing tribute to the Founder, describing him as a blessing to Ilara-Mokin and a transformational figure whose philanthropy has elevated the community’s profile within Ondo State and Nigeria.
He highlighted several landmark projects associated with Chief Ade Ojo’s vision, including the establishment of Elizade University, the world-class Smokin Hills Golf Resort, extensive road infrastructure, scholarships, employment opportunities, and numerous developmental initiatives that have improved the socio-economic fortunes of the community.
“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,” Adegbenro said.
Consultant Physician and Chief Medical Director of Elizade University, Dr. Lanre Olatunde, explained that the medical outreach formed part of the activities marking the Founder’s 88th birthday while also serving as a major component of the University’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
He noted that the outreach focused on the detection and management of both infectious and non-communicable diseases, stressing the importance of early diagnosis in preventing severe health complications.
“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,” he said.
Held under the theme, ‘A Legacy, A Vision, A Lasting Impact,’ the outreach provided beneficiaries with free medical consultations, health screenings, counselling services, and other essential healthcare interventions delivered by qualified medical personnel from the University.
The event attracted an overwhelming turnout of residents who thronged the venue to take advantage of the free healthcare services.
For many beneficiaries, it was a rare opportunity to access quality medical attention at no cost.
The highlight of the occasion was the arrival of Chief Michael Ade Ojo accompanied by his wife and members of his immediate family.
The Founder was greeted with thunderous applause and happy birthday songs of jubilation as grateful residents warmly welcomed him to the venue.
In a colourful moment that reflected the deep affection the community holds for him, Chief Ade Ojo cut his 88th birthday cake amidst cheers and celebrations from beneficiaries, members of staff of Elizade University and well-wishers.
Visibly moved by the gesture, the elder statesman commended the Management and Staff.
