The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola on Thursday bagged the ‘Gold Award of Excellence on Quality Healthcare’ at the 1st Southwest Nigeria Health Awards 2019.

The award event took place at the Main Auditorium, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Phase 3, Ile-Ife, Osun State amidst other healthcare practitioners in Nigeria.

Some of the awardees of the Southwest Nigeria Health Awards 2019 include the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as the ‘Southwest Nigeria Pillar Health Award’; Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola ‘Gold Award of Excellence on Quality Healthcare’; Principal, School of Nursing and Ministry OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Dr. Aderonke Owosemo ‘Gold Award on Nursing Education Development’; Professor Michael O. Balogun ‘Outstanding Cardiologist of the year’; Professor  Owolabi Alexandra, Outstanding Gynaecologist of the year; Renal Dialysis Centre, ‘Outstanding Dialysis Centre of the year’; Mopheth Pharmacy ‘Outstanding Pharmacy of the year’; Pharm. Abimbola B. Aminu ‘Outstanding Pharmacist of the year’; Mr. Idowu Afolabi ‘Outstanding Nurse of the year’ and Professor Grace T. Fadipe ‘Outstanding Dietician of the year’ among others.

Speaking at the event, Professor Babalola said “I feel great to God and humble for the award.  I couldn’t believe it not until I listened to the convener and it showed that they went around to get peoples opinion. I was told that, some people nominated and voted for me while recommendations were made before I could be given the award”.

“I feel happy that people are seeing my impacts in the society” she said.

Speaking further about the issue of fake drugs in the country, she said, “it is by creating awareness that people will know where to get their drugs and NAFDAC is doing a lot about the awareness. People should get their drugs from a registered pharmacy operated by a pharmacist. Don’t buy your medicines from open markets, from people carrying it on their heads, wheelbarrows and others”.

The erudite professor of Pharmacy cautioned people to avoid self-medication as they should consult their physicians and pharmacist for proper use of medication while she encouraged the youths to work hard and be creative so that they can get to greater places in life.

Professor Babalola however dedicated the award to God almighty and family members who gave her the platform to be who she is today. 

However, in his statement, the convener of the Southwest Nigeria Health Awards, Mr. Honey Olawale said “We have been doing this for years. It is just to encourage people that are really working, and people have not been recognising them because, maybe they are civil servants, or they don’t have money to pay to receive an award. We went to the nooks and crannies of the region to look for them”.

“We have people who are lazy and not serious with their work. By given these awards today, we want to encourage productivity because they will continue to do more as they already know that people are watching them” he said.

One of the awardees, Professor Grace T. Fadipe said “Am really happy. The award is an honour to me. I really appreciate it”.

The event was enlivened by the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko ably represented by  Dr. (Mrs) Kikelomo Bada; the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola; Chrisland University registrar, Mr David Olowola and other svaff of the institution, Principal, School of Health and Ministry OAUTHC, Dr. Mrs. Aderonke Awosemo; Prof. Michael O. Balogun; medical practitioners across the country and  Students from Ile-Ife representing their Schools among others.