Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIArb, MCIOB, MCABE, CEO of Afia Group and Mogaji of the Adanla family of Ibadan, was honoured on Monday with a prestigious Recognition Award from the Al Basar International Foundation.
The accolade was presented during the grand inauguration of the Makkah Specialist Hospital in Ibadan, acknowledging Adanla’s profound commitment and invaluable contributions to eye care and humanitarian initiatives across Nigeria.
Adanla’s steadfast partnership has been instrumental in expanding access to crucial eye care services, leading to the restoration of sight and significantly enhancing the lives of thousands of individuals and families according to the organization.
His dedication reflects a deep-seated virtue of using his success to uplift communities, a hallmark of both his business acumen and philanthropic endeavours.
The honour also underscores Adanla’s positive impacts not only as a community leader but as an Islamic leader as the Turaki Adini of Oyo State, Wakil Faido Tijaniyyah of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, and the Giwa Adini of Offa (Kwara State).
Makkah Specialist Hospital, a world-class eye care facility located at Ark-07 Plaza, Elebu Junction, Alao-Akala Expressway, along New Garage, Ibadan, is part of the Al-Basar International Foundation’s global network.
With headquarters in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, the foundation operates over 30 dedicated eye hospitals worldwide, including three major branches in Nigeria, with its main base in Kano State.
The organization’s mission is to combat avoidable blindness and ensure quality eye care and humanitarian services are accessible to all.
The event saw a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, who was also among the awardees.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adel Abdulaziz Alrashood, Secretary General of the Al Basar International Foundation, highlighted the organization’s focus on tackling blindness caused by inadequate access to basic eye care.
He expressed hope that the new facility would attract greater local support from the people and government of Oyo State.
Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi lauded the hospital’s opening as a timely and strategic intervention, noting the significant public health challenges posed by visual impairment.
She envisioned the hospital evolving into a regional hub for eye care training, research, and specialized medical services.
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja warmly welcomed the hospital, recalling the foundation’s impactful healthcare interventions in the state during his tenure as governor.
Governor Makinde’s representative, Prof. Babatunde, urged the medical personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and ethical conduct, emphasizing that the facility symbolizes not just healthcare, but renewed hope and opportunity for countless individuals.
