The former Medical Director of Somolu General Hospital and now the First Lady of Lagos state, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has paid a glowing tribute in honour of the late Dr. Christian Olubunmi Akinwale who died on the 7th of June, 2023 after a brief illness.
Dr. Ibijoke who was present at the Service of Song held at the old Somolu LG Secretariat described the late Dr. Chris Akinwale as a loyal and dedicated personality who’ll never be found wanting in the course of performing his duty.
She narrated further, “He’s the kind of person that has a passion for the job and with determination to change the face of the medical profession from what it is now to another level.”
“He’s the type that’s very hardworking and always likes to help the patients and make them get the best treatment when and where necessary. Even though he’s no more with us but he had embellished his name in the anal of history.” She stated.
In similar remarks, the council chairman of Somolu local government, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu ‘Dullar” eulogized the deceased as a gentle, loving, and dedicated medical professional whose level of commitment to duty cannot be overemphasized.
“Ironically, no one could do to you what you did to others…saving lives. Your death came to me as a rude shock and left my mouth agape, searching for answers to questions that were never asked.”
“Truly, your loss will take a while to overcome but take solace in the fact that you came to this world for a purpose and you left fulfilling the purpose. May the Lord in His Mercy bless his soul, forgive him his sins, and grant him eternal rest.”
In the same vein, the Medical Director/CEO of Somolu General Hospital, Dr. Saliu Oseni in his tribute described the late Chris Akinwale as one of the two longest staff of the hospital who has in the course of serving the state and the community contributed in no small measures to the growth and development medical profession in the state. “Dr. Akinwale is somebody that I love so much. Very committed, trusted, jovial, and hardworking, and for his contribution to the development of Somolu General Hospital, we’ve decided to name the emergency ward in his honour.”
Hon. Mrs. Mariam Omotanwa Salau, a core member of BOSKOH Medical Outreach in her tribute revealed that Dr. Akinwale was not just a friend but a brother who was so kind, caring and understanding stating that he was a blessing and gift from God.
“Words seem too feeble in moments like these. But Surely, the Lord takes what is His, and what He gives is His, and to all things He has appointed a time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. My hearts still ache in sadness, for what it meant to lose you no one will ever know. You were a friend and brother whose worth can never be told. There’s a place in our hearts no one can fill. I miss you and always will. The loss of a friend no matter how old you are changes our life forever.”
Present at the song of service for late Dr. Chris Akinwale includes the First Lady of Lagos state, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Claudius Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Permanent Secretary, Health Service Commission; Dr. Benjamin Eniayewun, the council chairman of Somolu local government represented by the Vice-Chairman; Hon. Kunle Ekiyemi, and the Medical Director/CEO of Somolu General Hospital, Dr. Saliu Oseni
Others are members and staff of Somolu General Hospital, top government officials, members of Somolu All Progressive Congress (APC), members of the family, the (O.A.U) Old students association, and members of BOSKOH Medical Outreach
