US-based Paediatrician, Ogunrinde Seeks Govt Partnership To Sustain Free Healthcare In Ile-Ogbo

A United States-based paediatrician, Dr. Adeteju Ogunrinde (nee Aderibigbe), has called for stronger collaboration between government and individuals contributing to community development, particularly in the area of healthcare delivery.

Ogunrinde, a paediatrician based in Waldorf, Maryland, United States, who is affiliated with hospitals in the area, including MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, made the call at the 90th birthday celebration of her father, Emeritus Professor Pade Aderibigbe, and the 85th birthday of her mother, Olori Emily Titilayo Aderibigbe.

The celebration, held in Ile-Ogbo, Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, brought together traditional rulers, academics, politicians, community leaders, medical practitioners, religious leaders, family members and friends to honour the couple.

The occasion also featured a free medical outreach organised by the Omoyiola Free Medical Centre, a facility established by Ogunrinde in memory of her late grandmother, Sifawu Omoyiola Aderibigbe.

The medical centre, located in Oosa 1 Ward, Ile-Ogbo, provides free medical consultations, treatments and periodic medical outreaches to members of the community, including specialised services such as cataract surgeries.

Speaking at the event, Ogunrinde said individuals with ideas and resources for improving their communities needed the support of political leaders and government institutions to achieve greater impact.

She said, “It is important for people that have great vision to be able to collaborate with people in politics to improve the community.

“We cannot all be involved in politics, but politicians should encourage people who are giving back to the community and partner with them to reach out to the community.”

Ogunrinde, who has continued to support healthcare delivery in Ile-Ogbo through the medical centre, said sustaining free medical services solely with personal resources and contributions from colleagues in the diaspora was becoming increasingly difficult.

She said, “It doesn’t take much to run a clinic because I have run it for many years. I have the resources to supply the goods and services, but I cannot depend on individuals around the community or my other colleagues in the diaspora to keep supplying all the needs of the clinic.”

The paediatrician stressed that access to healthcare should be regarded as a basic right, urging the government to support the centre with medical personnel.

“Healthcare should be a right. The government has the resources. It does not take much. All I ask for is a couple of youth corps members who are doctors that can service the clinic,” she said.

According to her, the medical centre already has accommodation facilities for doctors, eliminating the challenge of securing accommodation for medical personnel deployed to the area.

“When I built the clinic, I have rooms for the doctors so that they don’t have to go and look for rent,” Ogunrinde added.

She urged political leaders and other stakeholders to view community-based healthcare initiatives as partners in development rather than isolated private efforts.

Oluwo Honours Prof. Aderibigbe

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, who spoke at the event, honoured Prof. Pade Aderibigbe for his contributions to the community and political development of the area.

Prof. Aderibigbe, an Ile-Ogbo-born Emeritus Professor of Forensic Accounting, was celebrated as the first presidential aspirant from the area, a development described as significant in the political history of Iwoland and Osun State.

The Oluwo said the celebration provided an opportunity to remember the struggles and contributions of Prof. Aderibigbe to the development of the community.

He said, “We are proud of you for daring to come out as the first man that came up as presidential aspirant in this area.”

The monarch also called for the resolution of the land-related issue affecting the expansion of healthcare services in the community, stressing the importance of the medical facility to residents.

“Go and open Omoyiola. We are going to settle the dispute. Those who are getting treatment in the hospital are suffering. This land needs you more,” he said.

The Oluwo further expressed confidence in divine protection, saying, “Nobody can relieve me because I rely on God that cannot be removed.”

Family, Community Celebrate Aderibigbes

The birthday ceremony also provided an opportunity for traditional and community leaders to reflect on Prof. Aderibigbe’s academic, social and political contributions.

The family said the gathering refreshed memories of the social, academic and political struggles that helped shape the present landscape of the constituency, while also providing an avenue to strengthen unity among traditional and political stakeholders for collective development.

In an appreciation message issued on behalf of the celebrants, the Aderibigbe family expressed gratitude to the Oluwo of Iwoland, the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, the Olupo, other royal fathers, community leaders and all guests who attended the celebration.

The family said, “We appreciate your presence, support and encouragement towards the success of their birthday celebration. We were overwhelmed with the love extended to our family. Your contributions are immeasurable, and we pray to Almighty God to reward you in manifold.”

The family also appreciated members of the royal houses of Olateru Olagbegi/Ogunrinde, Famewo and Lamikara, Ile-Ogbo community elders and leaders, G-9, IUF, IDF, Club Omega, Ile-Ogbo Youth Forum, medical doctors, university dons, religious leaders, professional and business associates, friends and members of the media.

The family specially acknowledged the Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, Engr. Lanre Adeleke, for providing golf facilities for some guests.

The celebration ended with the family thanking everyone who joined them in celebrating the 90th birthday of Prof. Pade Aderibigbe and the 85th birthday of Olori Emily Titilayo Aderibigbe, with prayers for continued blessings and good health for the celebrants.