~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
The entire city of Eruku,a suburb in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, has been thrown into wild jubilations, following the emergence of one of their sons,as the 79th President of Canadian Orthopaedic Association.
The emergence Dr. Olufemi especially being a native of Erukucity,is no doubt;a feat aspired by many.
Dr. Ayeni is a professor and the Academic Division Head of Orthopaedic surgery at McMaster University. He became a member of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association COA on the very first day of his residency in 2002. He later completed same locally at McMaster university – a feat he considers ‘a joy of a lifetime.’
In a career spanning over 20 years, Dr. Ayeni has published over 400 academic publications on sports medicine, as well as several other textbooks.
He is the Chief Of Adult Surgeon at Hamilton Heath Sciences (HHS) McMaster, a hospital network of seven hospitals and a cancer centre,serving Hamilton, Ontario, Canadian.
While delivering his address at the association’s annual meeting,as the President Elect of COA, Dr. Olufemi highlighted the importance of mentoring the next generation of orthopaedic leaders,and fostering collaboration amongst multidisciplinary groups,for teamwork.
He is the youngest and the first Canadian Orthopaedic Association’s president of Nigerian and African descent,an association that has run for decades.
A journey down the memory lane, gives an insight to Dr. Olufemi’s exploits in his medical pursuit, especially in the field of Orthopaedics. He is a product of mentoring and academic tutelage under a worthy ambassador.
His story is in agreement with the biblical injunction that admonishes believers, to train up a child in the way he should go,and when such child grows up,he would not depart from it.
The Ayenis have proven over and over again that, excellence runs in the veins of the family. This is why in the world of orthopaedists, their name resonates expertise, greatness and dedication.
Dr. Olufemi’s dad, Dr. Ayeni;the Asiwaju of Eruku land, became the best orthopaedic surgeon in Kwara State (if not in the entire Nigeria), before leaving for Canada in the 1970s.
Today, as providence and sheer grit would have it, Ayeni’s son,who is now also an orthopaedician,is building upon the antecedents and legacies of his father.
It worthy of mention that,in the ocean of medical practitioners world over, there are very few that have carved a niche for themselves in their areas of specialties, Dr. Olufemi is one of such rare gems.
Armed with an innovative mindset, and fuelled by his unwavering zeal to excel,Dr. Olufemi a proudly son of a living legend,is transcending intercontinental frontiers, building upon his dad’s orthopaedic glory. He has continued to ascend the ladders of medical successes, earning accolades and recognitions all the way.
Dr. Olufemi’s illustrious career centres on his relentless pursuit of knowledge, excellence and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
By the various antecedents of the father and son, it is therefore safe to put both on the medical pedestal of “like father, like son.”
Big Congratulations to Dr Olufemi Ayeni, congratulations to the entire Ayenis, and felicitation are in order for Erukucity. We hope this new phase propels him to greater exploits!
Oluwaseun Fabiyi; a seasoned Journalist of repute writes from Lagos, Nigeria.