Prof Stephen Debo Adeyemi (CON) remains not just a Prince but a human being of a different level, something you do not find in regular people, especially in the healthcare profession. Celebrating Professor Debo Stephen Adeyemi, a giant Paediatric surgeon, calls the global and local attention to some challenges facing paediatric surgery and healthcare, from complex anatomy to unequal access to care.

Professor Adeyemi’s legacy is about advancing paediatric surgical practice despite challenges and encouraging surgeons to practice in a safe space. Professor Adeyemi’s career and legacy strongly endorse the value of the patient-centred family physician needed within today’s healthcare system. His career, life, and legacy continue to inspire and define the vision of effective Medicine, patient care, and a life well-lived.

Professor Adeyemi, a distinguished surgeon, former minister, and one-time Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), reminds us that precision is crucial in paediatric surgery and Medicine generally. Professor Adeyemi was born into the OFOKUTU Royal Family of Ijesaland on December 21, 1942, in Kaduna, Kaduna State, to a soldier father.

He had his primary education in Minna, Niger State, and later proceeded to Government Secondary School, Keffi, where he completed his secondary school education and obtained his Higher School Certificate. Between 1964 and 1969, Professor Adeyemi was at the University of Lagos, where he was trained as a medical doctor. In 1971. Resident in Surgery, University of Toronto Teaching Hospital, Toronto, 1971- 74; Chief Resident, General Surgery, 1974-75; Resident in Paediatric Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, 1975-76; Chief Resident in Paediatric Surgery, 1976-77; Consultant, Paediatric Surgeon, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, 1979; Senior Lecturer in Surgery, University of Lagos, 1981; Fellow: Royal College of Surgeons, Canada, 1975, West African College of Surgeons, 1980; Nigerian Medical College of Surgeons, 1981; Assistant /Demonstrator, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 1990-93; Became Associate Professor Surgery, University of Lagos -1989, and Professor of Surgery- University of Lagos 1992; Lecturer, Department of Chemical Sciences, Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, since 1995; Academic Review Committee for Chemical Sciences, Ogun State University; Postgraduate Planning Committee for Chemical Sciences; Faculty of Science Examination Committee; /Secretary, Chemical Sciences Draft Question Papers and Marking Scheme Review Committee; Faculty Board; Sciences; /Chairman, Chemical Sciences; Social Committee; Coordinator, Chemical Sciences; Senate, Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye.

Among Professor Adeyemi’s achievements were the training of doctors and surgeons; the establishment of Paediatric Surgery as a speciality; the Separation of asymmetric Siamese twins; Research and publication in local and international medical journals; and Appointment contd:6.

Prof Adeyemi’s hands are instruments of miracles, his heart a beacon of hope. Treating young patients is tough because of their small bodies and unique needs. This makes the hardest part of paediatric surgery very challenging. It requires a lot of skill and precision. Professor Adeyemi’s legacy reminds us that surgeons are not superior to our patients, but learners from their courage. His legacy lives in every child who runs and plays because of his skill and compassion.

Celebrating Prof Adeyemi’s birthday highlights the global disparities in paediatric surgical care, especially in Africa. The availability of paediatric surgical care is a big issue worldwide. There are considerable differences in access to these services across regions. Paediatric surgery is key to healthcare systems everywhere. Nevertheless, the way these services are offered varies a lot. This leads to significant gaps in getting the surgery kids need. It is on record that ‘up to 1.7 billion children worldwide do not have access to the essential surgery they need. This shows a big gap in healthcare. It is especially true in poorer countries, where there’s less access to healthcare. The death rates for some conditions, like gastroschisis, show the size of the gap. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the death rate for gastroschisis is 75.5%. In richer countries, it is just 2%. This shows we need to get more kids in poorer areas the surgery they need.’ The world faces a severe shortage of paediatric surgeons. This issue is grave in poor countries. There, the number of surgeons is often one per 6 million children.

Among Professor Adeyemi’s modest developmental contributions to Ijesland is the conception and dedication of Camp Stephen, conceived by his Foundation, Professor Debo Adeyemi Foundation (PRODAF), whose Motto is “To Serve God and Humanity “. The Camp is situated at Ilesa/ Akure Expressway, consisting of a 25-acre piece of land on which are presently standing a) Owa Ofokutu (Memorial) Ecumenical Centre, built in memory of my great-grandfather, Owa Obokun Adimula Ofokutu, who welcomed the pioneer missionaries to Ijesaland and contributed to the establishment of Christianity in this part of the country. The Centre consists presently of the Basilica of Christ, an auditorium large enough to seat 3,000 worshipers, Daniel House (a Pastorium), and a Civic/conference centre. The Wesley 100 International- WIN is happy to support the PRODAF vision of people uniting for Christ.

Professor Adeyemi also contributed to the construction of the ultra-modern palace of the Owa Obokun and the Ijesa Geriatric Centre.

As a Prince and community of many parts, Professor Adeyemi of the Ofokutu Royal Family under the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, who spoke during a press conference on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Camp Stephen Centre, Ilesa-Akure Expressway, to contest the stool of Owa Obokun. He outlined his vision to serve the people of Ijesaland with a commitment to unity, development, and cultural preservation.

Professor Adeyemi succeeded in completing the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital New Site; Reactivated work at the then new site of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and appointed the contractor who completed the construction of the hospital which has since been in use; Got approval and funding for a modern Outpatient department At OAUTH Complex, Ilesa, has since been in use Also got approval for an ultramodern surgical theatre at the same hospital in Ilesa; Upgrading of the Mortuary at the OAUTH Ile Ife; Established vaccine storage facilities in strategic parts of the country; Stopped payment of staff salaries in the Ministry of Health with one check, thereby saving saving six million naira every month that was hitherto going to fraudsters; Succeeded in passing into law the National Health Insurance Scheme after more than 32 years of failed attempts by previous administration for which he was honoured with the national award of Commander Order of the Niger( CON)

Professor Adeyemi was fortunate to be part of the team led by His Excellency General Abdulsalami Abubakar that midwifed the Military to Democracy transition, for which he was also awarded. Among Professor Adeyemi’s honours and awards are: Distinguished Son of Osun State by the Osun State Government, 1999; Distinguished Leadership Award by the Government of Lagos State, 1999; Military to Democracy Transition Award by the Federal Government of Nigeria-1999, Commander Order of the Niger (CON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, 2012.

To move forward, paediatric surgery and care need a broad strategy, and Professor Adeyemi remains a reference point both locally and globally. This includes adopting new technologies and training approaches. By doing this, surgeons can handle more complex cases, improve patient care, and help close the global healthcare gap. This will significantly improve the lives of children everywhere, especially in Nigeria.

Happy renewing birthday, Prof.