Former Lagos Finance Commissioner Launches Foundation on Sickle Cell Disease.
Education, Community Service at 40.
The Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer ES CEO, Financial Reporting Council FRC and Former Commissioner of Finance on Lagos state, Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo has launched a grand foundation on Health , (Sickle Cell), Education and community service to the benefits of all Nigerians to mark his 40th Birthday.
The foundation launch was in partnership with Lagos State Health Management Agency, (LASHMA), Codix , Utica,Crimson Bow, Sickle Cell Initiative, an NGO that caters to those affected by sickle cell condition and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN.
The launch held on Tuesday at Transcorp Hilton was to mark his 40th birthday tagged, A Life of Purpose, A Future Impact under the Board of Trustees with Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo as Founder /Chairman, Aisha Olowo , Executive Vice Chair, Dr Modupe Elebute- Odunsi, Member /Advisor, Ms Adebola Adesoji, Member/Advisor and Adam Folorunsho Olowo, as Secretary.
it also included the inaugural lecture and fund raising gala as part of the occasion, as this was coming at a time when this year’s sickle cell day will be marked on 19th June , 2025.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary,Chief Executive Officer ES/CEO stressed the need for both private and public organizations to prioritize Healthcare, Education and Community Service in all endeavors.
With a vision and mission to transform lives by providing impactful supports in the areas of health ( with focus on Sickle Cell disease SS), Education and community development and a World where no one is left behind due to health conditions, lack of access to Education, or limited community support.
He said the foundation will basically support the undeserved in the area of critical social services including empowerment of communities to thrive not minding all challenges in these critical areas.
He also called on well meaning, well to do in the society to contribute their quota to the health status of special patients like Sickle Cell, and their healthcare, Education and community service.
While recalling his growing up days and it’s attendant challenges in the area of Health , Education and community service particularly on illness and poverty, lack of opportunities, absence of support and weight of been unheard.
“Among these realities , Sickle Cell disease stood to me in a personal way , I have personally witnessed how this condition, so common, yet so misunderstood, can take an immense toll on individuals and families, particularly those with limited access to quality healthcare, My experience ignited a fire in me” He stated .
“But sickle cell disease was just one lens through which I saw a larger and more complex picture, Education too is something that transformed my life .it gave me the tools to dream beyond my circumstances and to build future rooted in purpose.And I have come to understand that in many communities, especially underserved ones , opportunity is not evenly distributed.this is why I established the “Rabiu Olowo Foundation “: T9 bridge those gaps , to stand in the gap , and to create avenues for people not only to survive,but to thrive.” Dr Olowo maintained.
“This foundation is more than just an organization, it’s a promise, a legacy of love, service and hope .A movement to break cycles, to inspire hope and to make a lasting difference, .whether it is by providing access to better healthcare, sponsoring a child Education, or revitalizing a local community, every initiative we lead is a step toward a brighter, more equitable future” He explained.
“But, we cannot do this alone , Our strength lies in our collective commitment to a better tomorrow.Thank you for standing with me tonight, your presence, your belief, and your generosity will help turn this vision into lasting change.
Here go Legacy, Here’s to purpose.Here is to impact.” Olowo mentioned.
In his key note address, Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Foundation, narrowly from celebrations, fun fare, Olowo marking his birthday by giving back to the society showed his selflessness maturity, but glaring and significant of the gesture.
“His birthday is to focus on people’s welfare and development and advised you remained focused and committed to the course.” Elumelu stated .
Elumelu commended Olowo competence and confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a public service endeavor.
He described his endeavors and support as timely and tasking , while urging him to sustain the critical health challenges.
He said investment in people is critical to the economic emancipation of the country and brings about
systematic change and social emancipation.
In a similar vein , Ambassador Prof. Mahmodou M O Kah congratulated Dr Olowo for his feat in both private and public sector and his decision to impact in humanity.
In her contributions, another key note speaker,Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, consultant heamatologist, (Healthcare Lleader ), visionary advocate of sickle cell preached on the need for genotype testing before marriage , stating that Nigeria is vulnerable to the sickle cell disease out of negligence, therefore to avoid adequate management and care for the careers , efforts should be geared towards addressing the situations.
In a emotion laden situation, Dr Rabiu Olowo thanked the attendees for honoring the occasion of his birthday and foundation launch.
Highlights of the occasion included dedicated demonstration and eulogy by selected few sickle cell champions in Abuja , while using the opportunity to appreciate the intervention of Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo in the treatment carried out recently when some of them were sick.
Others included entertainment, Foundation Launch, signing of
MOUs, Fundraising Gala, Live Fund raising, Birthday celebrations and cutting of birthday cake .
Dignataries from all walks of life including representatives of state governments , Senators , federal lawmakers among many others honored the occasion.
