Prince Adeyinka Afonja, Chairman of Ace Mall, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to societal upliftment and job creation through a significant donation to the University College Hospital’s (UCH) Ophthalmology Department.
Afonja, a renowned philanthropist, personally procured and donated a state-of-the-art Humphrey Visual Field Machine, a move set to drastically improve patient care and reduce waiting times at the prestigious medical institution.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, lauded Prince Afonja’s generosity, acknowledging that “there is nowhere in the world where government alone can fund health services.”
He emphasized the critical role of philanthropists in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the entire UCH community.
Dr. Oluleye, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, recounted the impactful story behind the donation. Witnessing the strain on the department’s existing, overused visual field machine, Dr. Oluleye sent a simple message to Prince Afonja. “I wish we have another one to make the work faster as well as reduce the long booking list and more patients to be touched,” he wrote.
Prince Afonja’s immediate and decisive response, culminating in the direct procurement and delivery of a modern machine worth approximately $8,000, left Dr. Oluleye “short of words.”
Prince Afonja, reflecting on his motivation, stated, “I give God all the glory for this opportunity. We realized that government alone cannot solve the enormous challenges in the health care sector.”
His commitment stems from a deeply personal experience: “Adversity brought me here. My son suffered a penetrating trauma to his eye… After that experience I made up my mind that I will always support the eye care department of the hospital.
This dedication has seen him consistently support the department, including an initial donation of a power generating set and an annual contribution of N2 million for indigent patients.
This latest act of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Ace Mall not only provides essential medical equipment but also indirectly supports job creation by enabling the hospital’s expert personnel to serve more patients efficiently.
Prince Afonja’s actions serve as a powerful appeal to other individuals of means to contribute to public welfare, embodying the belief as expressed by Prof. Otegbayo that “those who light the path for others to see will never walk in darkness.”
His sustained generosity continues to illuminate the path for a healthier, more prosperous community.
