In a remarkable display of compassion over celebration, Nigeria's revered industrialist, Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya (CON), chose to mark his 86th birthday by organising a massive, free medical outreach for residents of Lagos State. The Chairman of Eleganza Industrial City Limited redirected funds and attention from a potential lavish party to a week-long humanitarian initiative, providing critical healthcare services to thousands.
A Celebration of Health and Community
The Okoya @86 Medical Outreach was officially flagged off on Monday, January 5, 2026, at his expansive estate in Ajah. The programme is scheduled to run until January 12, 2026, which is the actual birth date of the octogenarian. Instead of rolling out drums, Okoya rolled out a comprehensive healthcare scheme designed to bridge the gap for those who lack access due to poverty, limited education, or information.
Residents from Ajah, Jakande, Ikota, Iru, Egunshi, Eleko, Epe, and surrounding communities within the Eti-Osa Local Council area trooped to the venue. Men, women, young parents, and the elderly filled the over 300-capacity hall, sitting on the classic Eleganza chairs as they waited to be attended to by a team of medical professionals.
Chief Okoya, speaking at the event, explained his profound yet simple motivation. "This birthday is not about me — it is about giving people the chance to live healthier, happier lives," he stated. He shared a personal health journey, revealing that six years prior, he had detected prostate cancer early, had a successful operation, and recovered. "Health is wealth. You can live up to the age of 100 years or more... I should extend what I have been enjoying to my community so that everyone can know the status of his or her health."
Comprehensive Services and Generous Support
The outreach was far from a token gesture. It offered a wide array of free medical services, including screenings for prostate cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, breast and cervical cancer, dental check-ups, eye screenings, and family planning consultations. Medications were also provided on-site.
Beyond the medical check-ups, the initiative included significant material support for beneficiaries. Dr. Jemilade Longe, Consultant for the outreach and a retired Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Services Commission, announced that each beneficiary who completed the cycle would receive a food pack and N10,000 transport fare.
The programme attracted high-calibre healthcare providers as partners. Grandville Hospital was among the institutions that provided doctors and nurses. Dr. David Ayanlere of Haven Eye Clinic was on hand conducting visual screenings and providing reading glasses, particularly for elderly patients.
Family, Government, and Beneficiary Reactions
The Okoya family stood firmly behind the patriarch's vision. His wife, Mrs. Folashade Okoya, Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, noted this was in line with his character of social responsibility. His son, Shubomi Okoya, a Director at Eleganza, expressed admiration, saying, "These are some of the things that we as young boys aspire to do like him."
The Lagos State Government sent a representative, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, who praised the initiative. "The governor cannot do it all; everybody has to be responsible for their health... This is excellent," she said, commending Okoya for reaching communities that government efforts sometimes miss.
Beneficiaries were overwhelmingly grateful. Mallam AbdulMalik Kolawole from Jakande had his eye problem addressed and received an HIV test. Comfort Kakraba, a Ghanaian resident, was stunned by the free services, noting that the tests and medications would have cost a fortune elsewhere. Mrs. Funke Olayemi from Abule Lafiaji received eyeglasses, drugs, food, and transport money, leading her to pray for blessings on Okoya and his family.
As the outreach continues towards its grand finale, Chief Razaq Okoya's 86th birthday is already etched in the hearts of the people not as a party, but as a powerful, life-preserving act of love and community service.
