The former Managing Director of Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Mobolaji Ayotunde Olukoya, on Friday, August 4, 2017, celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement from the Lagos State Civil Service amidst encomiums from family members, friends and associates.
In her address during the event that took place at the Ikorodu Town Hall, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola described Dr. Olukoya as a fulfilled man whose good services, dedication, commitment and selflessness brought greater development to Lagos State.
The Head of service, who was represented at the event by Mrs. Olatunji, also congratulated the retiree on his 60th birthday, wished him long life and prayed that he should continue to enjoy divine health from God.
Before presenting the certificate of meritorious service to him, Mrs. Olatunji said, “Today is the Pen’s down ceremony and because he has labored selflessly for the development of Lagos State, we are here to honor him and show the appreciation of the Head of Service. By honoring him, we have a certificate of merit to show that he is parting from us on a meritorious note.
“We are also happy that he did not die during his service and he is here to celebrate this big day. We appreciate your laudable achievements, Dr. Mobolaji Ayotunde Olukoya.”
The retirement rite was thereafter performed as the certificate was presented to him amidst joy and commendation. He was also informed that his gratuity, pension and other welfare packaged have already been put into consideration.
Various people gave testimonies of his sterling contributions. He also received Appreciation Award from the Lagos State Health Service Patients and Workers’ Christian Fellowship.
During the cutting of the cake, the former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye moderated the session while the Permanent Secretary, Health Service Commission, Dr. Jemilade Longe took charge of the cutting of the retirement cake. The celebrant and his wife were joined by many other people for a beautiful photo session.
Dr. Mobolaji Ayotunde Olukoya was born on the 6th of August, 1957, in Lagos to the family of Late Chief and Mrs. Samuel Ayodele Olukoya. His father was a renowned lawyer, his great grand Mother was the first Iyalode of Ikorodu. He had his primary education at St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Ibadan, from 1964 to 1973, where he obtained a grade one at Ordinary level. He got his Higher School Certificate from the same school between 1973 and 1975, where he was the Health Prefect.
Olukoya bagged a degree in Dental Surgery in 1984 from the University of Lagos, College of Medicine. He had his one year internship in State Hospital, Abeokuta between 1984 and 1985.
The Former Managing Director had his National Youth Service Corps from 1985 to 1986 at the then General Hospital, Ikeja (now LASUTH). He began his Civil Service career at the same hospital on December 9, 1986. He worked there for about thirteen years until 1999 when he was transferred to Gbagada General Hospital.
Dr. Olukoya had a great wealth of experience before attaining the position of Medical Director and CEO, Ikorodu General Hospital. He transformed the hospital and it has won five highly placed Awards starting from May 13, 2015; year 2014 Award for service charter initiative organized by the Office of Transformation, Innovation and Creativity of Lagos State.
In year 2016 at the Service Charter Award, Ikorodu General Hospital bagged the Best Hospital in Lagos State. Dr. Olukoya is happily married and has children and a grandchild.
Other features of the event included mimicking display where the Lifestyle of the celebrant was showcased by some medical personnel. Presentation of gifts and toast of the celebrant was handled by Dr. M. Babatunde Idowu, who showered accolades on Dr. Olukoya who served Lagos State meritoriously for thirty one years.
Dignitaries at the event were Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade; Hon. N. S. Solaja; Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Former Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe; Former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Former Commissioner for Information, Chief Ayodele Elesho and Engr. Lukman Erogbogbo.
Others include, Sir (Chief) David Sunmoni, Traditional Chiefs, representatives of royal fathers; Medical Directors; Director, Health Service Commission, Pastor F.O Ajalogun; CAN Members; Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu, Sheikh Seifudeen Olowooribi, amongst other notable personalities.
- MRS. OKOBRA, STAFF NURSE: “The Managing Director is a God-Sent man, he is a man of God in action. He stands by the truth at all times and fears God. He has been very kind to me and I want to say that he made the Nursing profession fantastic for me.”
- DR. BANI ISMAIL: “I am one of those who would miss the M.D so much. He is like a brother and father to me. One outstanding character of Dr. Olukoya is his fair treatment of all staff as long as he sees you as a hardworking person. He is very open and someone who puts smiles on a sad face.
I will miss him but I know that God would always protect him. I pray that today would mark a new beginning of happiness in his life.”
- CHIEF KESTER OLOMO: “Today is a marvelous day to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Olukoya. I am speaking on behalf of my brother and I want to say that he is a good and honest man. I pray that God keeps him. I really appreciate everyone for coming here to celebrate with him today.”
- Dr. AMURE OLUSHOLA, GENERAL HOSPITAL, IFAKO-IJAIYE: “He is a man who does not want to be associated with failure. I got to know the meaning of this principle when I was moved to Ijede General Hospital where the mantle of Leadership fell on me, it was then I remembered Dr. Olukoya’s sayings and so I also resolved not to be associated with failure.
In nine years of Dr. Olukoya’s Medical Directorship in Ikorodu General Hospital, there has been a lot of developments at the hospital. He towered greatly both intellectually and administratively while it lasted. I pray that God should grant his successor the grace to be more successful than him. I pray that he should enjoy peace and good health.”
- CAN REPRESENTATIVE: “The Lagos State Health Service Patients and Workers’ Christian Fellowship want to acknowledge Dr. Olukoya for his exemplary lifestyle. He has contributed so much to Christianity and he has been supporting the work of God.
He gave the fellowship a piece of land to build our Chapel and he has been supporting the building project and calling on friends to support us as well. For this course, we want to present an award to you. We pray that you would continue to grow in wisdom and understanding.”
- PROF. KUNLE ADE WAHAB: “Dr. Olokoya is a very humble man. He relates with the patients and everyone at the office well and ensures that the hospital runs smoothly. I pray that whoever is going to take over from him would be as efficient and dedicated as he is. He is a man who renders as much help as he could to many people.
- ALHAJI SAFARI AREMU SULE: Dr. Olukoya is a blessing to Ikorodu, not only for the developments he brought to the General hospital, but also for the help he renders to many patients at the hospital.
Each time I sat in Dr. Olukoya’s office and patients came in to plead with him regarding high bills, he would reduce the amount to what they can afford.