By Babatunde Tiamiyu
A professor of Medicine and former Director-General at the Nigerian Institute of MedicalResearch,NIMR,Professor Babatunde Salako, has described leadership position as a challenge that demands sustained energy, thoughtful decision – making and personal resilience to achieve the set objectives of any institution.
Professor Salako made this known at a Civic Reception organised in Ede, Osun state to honour the newly appointed Medical Director,National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi,Lagos,NOHIL,Dr. Wakeel Olaide Lawal.
Presenting his Keynote Address titled ” It is well with you”, Professor Salako who focused the paper on ethical and effective leadership, emphadised on using one’s position to advance the cause of humanity,community service and national development.
The Keynote speaker who also described the occasion as a celebration of a remarkable milestone in the professional journey of Dr. Lawal, however charged the honouree to use his new position for mentoring and nurturing the next generation of medical professionals in Orthopedics and other critical healthcare related areas.
According to Professor Salako “Being appointed a CEO of a tertiary hospital is a weighty responsibility that requires vision, resilience, wisdom, courage, dedication, and faith.”
“The task before you is indeed Herculean, often marked by Hydra – headed challenges that will demand your full attention, sound judgement, patience and reliance on Almighty Allah.”
Professor Salako urged the new NOHIL Medical Director to always deal with both patients with compassion professionalism, and empathy.
Earlier in opening remarks,Chairman on the occasion who is the Chief Imam of Obafemi Awolowo University,OAU,Muslim Community,Ile – Ife Professor Abubakar Sanusi, noted with pride that Dr. Lawal’s dedication to hard work and his appointment has bring prestige to his family, Edeland and Osun state in general.
On their parts, the Babasanya of Ede, High Chief Tunji Lawal, and Asiwaju Ogobi, Ede, Chief Ayodele Adeyemo,encouraged the youths of Ede to emulate the virtues of dedication,hard work and trustworthiness in whatever they laid their hands on to achieve excellence like Dr. Lawal and other sons and daughters of the town.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee of friends that organised the reception, Chairman,Dr. Jide Fatoki, and Dr. Kazeem Kolapo of Osun state university said their friend is worthy of being celebrated as a man of impeccable character, a role model and one with a golden heart.
In their separate good will messages, the Managing Director, Omoluabi Holdings, Alhaji Kola Alimi, and National President Ede Muslim Grammar School Old Students’ Association, Barrister Rasaq Bello,while appreciating President Bola Tinubu for finding Dr. Lawal worthy of the appointment, enjoined the celebrant to be a good ambassador of his Alma mater and Osun state by making his tenure a reflection of the values of excellence, integrity and service to humanity.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Dr. Lawal by his friends, recognizing his outstanding professional contributions and his rise from Head of Clinical Services to Medical Director.
In his response, Dr. Lawal expressed gratitude to his friends and the Federal Government, pledging to expand the frontiers of orthopaedic practice in Nigeria and improve the quality of trauma care.
Among Dignitaries that graced the occasion include a Retired Deputy Inspection General of Police, DIG Dayo Adeoye, the Oluomo of Edeland and former Speaker,Osun State House of Assembly,Ambassador Adejare Bello, Former Vice Chancellor Oduduwa University,ile – Ife and now Special Adviser to Osun state Governor, Professor Alimi Kajogbola,and Pensioners’ FM,General Manager,Dr. Babatunde Tiamiyu.
