•Scores get free medicated eyeglasses, cataract surgery as couple marks birthday, wedding anniversary
For residents of Ota and its environs, the third week of December 2017 would not be forgotten in a hurry.
It was the week that scores of residents got befitting Christmas gifts from managing director of Cosmic Insurance Brokers, Dr. Teslim Sanusi, and his wife, Alhaja Medinat Abiola Sanusi, the proprietress of Benchmark Montessori School, based in Ikeja.
To commemorate Alhaja Sanusi’s 70th birthday and the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, the Sanusis as well as their children and grandchildren were in Ota to reach out to indigent people. They organised a medical outreach where many were given free eye screening and treatment, free eyeglasses, free cataract surgery and tutorials on prevention and management of diabetes, among others. The exercise was held at the LCIF Ophthalmic/Eye Bank Centre, State Hospital, Ota.
Five years ago, Dr. Sanusi also held a similar free medical exercise at the venue when he turned 70. He spearheaded the construction of the eye centre, in collaboration with the Ogun State government, while he was Lions Club District Governor 404B Nigeria between 2006 and 2007.
On Monday, December 18, the programme commenced with a screening exercise to determine what each patient would need. After the tests, it was discovered that some would require medication for eye ailment, some medicated eyeglasses to correct eye vision while some would need cataract surgery.
From early in the morning, no fewer than 150 people were already sitting in the hall, awaiting the commencement of the programme. And for over five hours, the medical personnel ensured that everyone was attended to.
Dr. Sanusi, while explaining the reason for the outreach, said his wife and children suggested that the family should reach out to indigent people as a way of marking the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary and the 70th birthday of the family’s matriarch. While expressing gratitude to the beneficiaries for coming to be part of the event, Dr. Sanusi urged the guests to always make giving an integral part of their lives.
Many were they that left the venue with tears of joy, full of praise for the Sanusis. Alhaja Shakirat Hassan from Sango Ota, who underwent free cataract surgery, couldn’t control her emotions.
“I have been having eye problems for over five years,” she began. “I approached a humanitarian club in 2015 but they couldn’t come to my aid. I learnt about this mission and I came here without knowing anybody. This operation would have cost me about N100,000; where would get such money? Now, I have regained my vision. I can see clearly. Alhaja Sanusi would live long in good health and prosperity. Her children would find favour in the sight of God and men. I am indeed very grateful.”
Another beneficiary, Rev. Amos Babatunde Olojede, was no less elated. Said he: “I have been having problems with my eyes for the past three years. I came to this eye centre in 2014 and I was told that I needed medicated glasses after the screening but the problem continued. I learnt about this medical outreach through a neighbour and I came, got screened, shortlisted and my eye was operated upon. This would have cost me between N50,000 and N70,000 outside. I am still in shock that people who don’t know me can commit such resources to other fellow human beings. May God reward the family abundantly.”
Alhaji Rufai Kehinde and his wife, Mrs. Amidu Kehinde, got free eyeglasses. They also prayed for the Sanusis and their family.
One of the guests, Mr. Adekoya, an engineer, praised the Sanusis for their humanitarian gestures.
“Dr. Sanusi is well educated and religious, yet he remains humble. I have learnt a lesson from him that, whatever one has, it is good to be of help to one’s fellow human beings. And when you reach out to people, God will not only reward you, He will also enlarge your coast.”
After the exercise, awards were presented to outstanding individuals as well as the unveiling of implementation committee plaque/rebranding by the celebrant.
Eldest daughter of the Sanusis, Mrs. Adeola Aminu, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the children. Many dignitaries attended the event that had the representative of the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkadir Adeyemi Obalanlege, in attendance.
On Saturday, December 23, 2017, the party moved to Insurance Brokers House in Yaba, Lagos, where the social part of the event took place. There was much to eat and drink, as the Sanusis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Dr Sanusi’s 75th birthday and Alhaja Sanusi’s 70th birthday.
Among the dignitaries was former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Musliu Smith, who was chairman at the event. Also in attendance were managing director of Prestige Insurance Brokers, Dr. Feyisayo Soyewo and his wife, Abiodun, president of Standard Insurance Consultants Limited, Dr. Ahmed Salawudeen, who was represented by his wife, Alhaja Tolu-Ahmed Salawudeen and daughter, Mrs. Zainab Bakare, Chief Johnson Oladipo Olawande and Prof. Ayoade Adesokan just to mention a few
In his remarks, the former police boss commended the couple for their humanitarian nature and for remaining faithful to each other 50 years after their wedding. Dr Soyewo also lauded the couple for keeping their home together in the last five decades.