The prestigious AMEN Event Center in Abesan, Iyana-Ipaja area of the state was filled to its capacity as the family rolled out drums in celebration of the first anniversary, 50th Posthumous Birthday of Dr. Chris Olubunmi Akinwale and as well launched a charity foundation in his honour.
The well-attended event which took place on the 9th of June, 2024 had dignitaries from health, political, social, and other strata of the society in attendance.
Speaking during the event, the younger brother of the late deceased, Mr. Femi Akinwale said the event became necessary as a way of remembering celebrating, and showcasing the humanitarian side of the deceased who worked tirelessly saving lives when he was alive.
“As we gather here today to remember and celebrate his life, let us focus on the joy and love he brought into our lives, let us remember his laughter, his kindness, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every person he met”.
“Dr. Chris Akinwale’s dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to helping others remains an enduring inspiration. Though the pain of his loss lingers, we’re grateful for the time we shared with him and the memories we cherished”. He stated.
Similarly, the 
She went further, “Reflecting on his remarkable qualities, I recall a doctor of immense experience, maturity, and vitality, coupled with a profound sense of empathy”.
“He was a consummate professional, yet approachable, possessing a rare blend of calmness, humour, and kindness. Dr. Akinwale was a goal-oriented individual who consistently achieved his objectives with remarkable ease”.
Hon. Mariam Salau in her closing remarks however, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her philanthropic gesture in establishing the Emergency Ward at Somolu General Hospital in Dr. Akinwale’s honour.
In the same vein, the former Head of the Medical Directorate of Sanwo-Olu Campaign who was also the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Sulaiman Aleshinloye in his submission described Dr. Akinwale as a medical professional who was always ready to carry out any given task at any given time noting that his death was a big loss to the health industry.
“Chris was a wonderful character who was always ready for any task given to him at any point in time. He’s going to be missed by everybody, we missed him”.
In addition, the Chief Nursing Officer of Somolu General Hospital, Mrs. Tunji-Ogbara Helen Omolabake said in her tribute that Dr. Akinwale was a personality that needs to be remembered owing to his contribution to people’s lives on a daily basis.
She continued, “This is a programme we look forward to and if we say we should remember somebody, I think Dr. Akinwale is one of the people that should be remembered if it’s possible every day because when he was alive, he affects people’s life on daily basis”.
A friend and colleague who was also present at the occasion described the late Dr. Akinwale as a character worthy of emulation, a philanthropist who was always good to people and ready to support them in whatever he could especially those around him.
“Dr. Chris Akinwale is a character who doesn’t like seeing people suffer, he’s a cheerful giver and ready to support and put smiles on faces. He has done it to friends, families, and many others that I know”.
Meanwhile, the late Dr. Akinwale’s 50th Posthumous Birthday cake was cut and shared as a charity foundation tagged “Food Bank” was also launched in his honour while food items were also distributed to over 120 beneficiaries to alleviate the suffering of the people at this particular time of hardship in the country.
