As we celebrate the 70th year of a remarkable journey, we honour a man whose life echoes the wisdom of Proverbs 9:11, “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.” Dr Raphael Sunday Olarewaju, a beacon of knowledge, faith, and service, has illuminated many paths.
Born in 1954 in Oko Irese, Kwara State, to humble beginnings, he rose above challenges and excelled academically. Dr Olarewaju’s roots run deep into the nurturing values of Pa Ige Adubi and Mama Ebelomo. His academic excellence, which shone brightly at Ajasse Ipo Comprehensive High School, where he was an academic mentor and life coach to many, including my humble self, was a precursor to the exceptional career ahead. As Psalm 1:3 describes, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever he does prospers.” So has been the story of Dr Olarewaju, who prospered in his endeavours and bore fruit through his unwavering commitment to medicine, leadership, and mentorship.
His scholarly pursuits, crowned with a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University and further honed through rigorous training, have made Dr Olarewaju a cornerstone in Obstetrics & Gynecology. He has embraced the call of Luke, the physician, as the Dr Luke Generation Foundation exemplifies, to heal and nurture the body and spirit within the church and society.
Dr Olarewaju’s professional tapestry is woven with threads of public service and private excellence, from the halls of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to the nurturing wards of Mother and Child Hospital. His life resonates with the words of Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
In the story of his life, “I Obtained Mercy,” we find a testament to God’s grace and the strength of the human spirit. His advisory role, laden with wisdom from decades of experience, is a guiding star for those navigating the complex cosmos of healthcare.
As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the professional and the man – family-oriented, community-bound, and God-fearing. In honour of the legacy of Dr R.S. Olarewaju’s parents, his elder brother and his wife, who played a significant role in his education and Dr Olarewaju and his wife, set up endowment funds with financial gifts annually to the best graduating students in the Faculties of Agriculture, Science and Medical Sciences respectively.
On this 70th Birthday, we are reminded of Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Dr Raphael Sunday Olarewaju, your excellent work continues. It is a blessing to many and a glory to God.
Happy Birthday, and may your years ahead be as rich in joy and purpose as the years you have gifted to the world.
According to Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Congratulations.
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