Remembering the Remarkable Dr. Christian Akinwale: A Celebration of His Impact and Generosity.

Late Dr. Christian Olubunmi Akinwale

"Gone from our sight but never from our hearts" was the heartfelt message left by friends, family, and neighbors of the late Dr. Christian Olubunmi Akinwale (JP), affectionately known as Dr. Chris, during the memorial service and posthumous birthday program held in his honor at his residence in Abesan Estate, Ipaja Lagos, Nigeria on Friday, June 30th, 2023.

Dr. Chris, a senior doctor with the Lagos state government and the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Somolu General Hospital, fell ill in February 2023 and sadly passed away on June 9th, 2023 after a courageous battle. The news of his untimely death was a devastating blow to friends who had hoped for his recovery.

For those who gathered to pay tribute and remember him, Dr. Chris was an extraordinary individual, leaving a lasting impact on humanity before his departure. The memorial service, which coincided with his birthday, also served as a celebration of what would have been his 49th year.

During the event, the officiating pastor and Senior Pastor of Daystar Covenant Centre, Olalekan Badmus, who had been childhood friends with the deceased, praised his virtues and offered prayers for the repose of his soul. He encouraged the congregation to live their lives in a manner pleasing to God for an assured eternity.

Attending the event were family members, friends from Dr. Chris's childhood neighborhood, friends from his secondary school, friends from his university, and colleagues from work. Many others followed the event online.

Prince Daisi, a classmate from Ilorin Grammar School (IGS) who traveled from Ilorin to attend the event, couldn't contain his emotions when speaking to Abesan News. He described Dr. Chris as “brilliant and wonderful, always ready to help no matter the circumstances. That's why we traveled all the way from Ilorin to attend this event. May his soul rest in peace," he expressed.

Born on June 30, 1974, Dr. Akinwale received his elementary education at Niger Pre-Age International School, Ipaja. He then attended Ilorin Grammar School (IGS) from 1986 to 1992 before pursuing Medicine at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, from 1994 to 2005.

Sharing her memories of the late Dr. Christian Akinwale, Dr. Elizabeth Fatuyi, a colleague and old schoolmate, spoke about how he consistently helped her through difficult situations at work. "He was someone I could always depend on. He had a remarkable ability to turn impossibilities into possibilities. Whenever I saw him, my mind would find peace," she fondly shared during the event.

Other speakers at the gathering included Dr. Solomon Oyetoyan, Mr. Femi Osineye, Mr. Gbenga Ogunwale, Mr. Leke Adeneye, and many others.

Expressing gratitude, the younger brother of the deceased, who followed the event online and spoke through Zoom, extended his thanks to everyone, especially the committee of friends who organized the event in his brother's memory. "His dedication to helping others was an inspiration to us all. Let us not dwell on the sadness of his passing, but instead cherish the joy he brought into our lives. Let us remember his laughter and his unwavering belief in the potential of every person he encountered. Thank you all for supporting us during this difficult time," he expressed with heartfelt appreciation.

During the vote of thanks, Gbenga Ogunwale, the chairman of the organizing committee, acknowledged that while a building had been named in the memory of the late doctor, friends have generously donated funds that would be used to contribute to the hospital in his honor.

The remains of Dr. Christian Akinwale has since been buried.

May the soul of the departed rest in peace.