Free eyes screening and care in celebration of Amb. Ayoola Olukanni 70th birthday... 100+ patients get free treatment in Ilesa (PHOTOS)

 

Former Nigeria ambassador to Australia with concurrent accreditation to New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, Amb. Ayo Olukanni, clocked 70 on Saturday, 22nd March, 2025. A career diplomat who had at various times also served in Brussels, New York, Tel Aviv, Nairobi, Vienna etc was for four years the Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). 

Thursday the 27th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church Hall, Ilesa, Osun State, in continuation of the celebration focused on Free Eye Care for the less privileged as the celebrator shared his joy by giving back to the community.

The program started at about 9am with thanksgiving, praises and prayers to God for Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, directed by the Parish Priest, Rev. Father. Patrick Ajayi.

Patients went through Registration, Blood pressure check, Case history and ophthalmoscopy, Auto-refraction, Tenometry and finally, Frame selection.

Mr Ore Amokeode, a beneficiary and also a longtime friend of the family commended the celebrant. "The program is fantastic, better than taking people to parties."

Another beneficiary, Mrs Gbenjo Adedeji remarked that the program is free of charge as she wished the celebrant long life and prosperity.

Mr. Olusanjo Oluyide, "I am immensely grateful to the celebrant who is making it possible to deliver such significant, just like Sen. Pius Ayim did recently. It is worthy to help the community.

The Olukannis spent the day at the church premises and engaged in a number of interactions with friends, family members and well-wishers whilst the ophthalmologists attended to the patients.

The wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Oluwafunmi Ayoola Olukanni in her assessment of the program challenged every well meaning Nigerian to think more of how to be of assistance to the needy than to engage in self-glorification and revelry.

"Celebrating birthdays by helping those less fortunate offers a meaningful, impactful alternative to lavish parties." She said 

The celebrant in a chat with pressmen thanked God for making him to attain the age of 70. He thanked many people near and far that are dear to him for celebrating along with him particularly the committee of friends that organized the Free Eye Care program.

In a brochure distributed to all the patients, friends and pressmen Olukanni charged patients to avoid self medication and buying of glasses on the streets. 

PHOTOS: Coverage script ✍️ Camera 📸 ---Credit: Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, lasoreoladimeji@gmail.com)