Aare Layi Akinbode marks birthday with special Community service.

– Steve Ovirih.

Birthdays are special days in the life of every individual. It’s a day people set apart to take stock of their lives with particular emphasis on thanking God, throwing parties ( for the people with the requisite resources and means), and ‘ expensive balling ‘ for the big boy elites .

However, as Dr. Layibola Akinbode, the Aare Bobaseye of Ikaleland adds a year, the birthday boy has celebrated his birthday this year in a rare and typically unusual, yet worthy and exemplary way, that added value to the society and took care of the needs of the hoi polloi.

Dr. Layi Akinbode (Ph.D) celebrated his birthday at his country home 2, Liberty Avenue, Iyana Iyesi, Off Idiroko Road, Sango Ota, Ogun State.

There was a huge turn out of dignitaries at the event among whom were his old students’ colleagues from Eko Boys High School , Mushin Lagos.

However, the outstanding feature of Dr. Akinbode’s birthday was the provision of health outreach for the attendees who thronged the ceremony in good number.

Among the health care services rendered was test for High blood pressure (HBP), test for Sugar level, Cholesterol and others.

The celebrant observed that a lot of the guests were evasive about taking the tests, claiming they were perfectly fit and quite okay and would not be needing any medical check but after much sincere persuasion , a good number of them participated in the medical check and the outcome was quite revealing.

Hear Aare Bobaseye of Ikaleland, “Some of those that came did not want to take these tests saying they were alright but after persuasion they took the tests and quite a few of them were found to be walking dead with very high BP reading between 164-179 figures, yet they kept saying they were alright and not sick.

” As a result of this exercise which has been an eye opener to me and which has been very encouraging, I shall be looking into partnering with some organizations, clubs and associations for support in expanding the cause of the medical outreach to other communities so as to save lives.”

Dr. Layi Akinbode who is also the Bashorun of Itoko Egba and Bibagunwa of Odeda all in Ogun State observed that a lot of Nigerians are not paying attention to the vital signs of their health and by the time they find out about their health history, matter would have become complicated. He noted that Nigerians are too busy to check their BP and it’s a silent killer once it jerks up beyond the normal level, stressing that most sudden deaths ascribed to enemy attacks and spiritual battles are as a result of high blood pressure left unchecked and indifferently unmanaged.

While guests were treated to a sumptuous and luxurious reception after the medical outreach, the Aare Bobaseye of Ikaleland and ‘birthday boy’ appealed to his guests to take their health concern seriously as it takes one with a good health to enjoy longevity.