Dr. Sanya wins National Productivity Award

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The Acting Provost, College of Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Joseph Olurotimi Sanya has won the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award. Presenting the award and instrument of conferment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit Award on him, at a ceremony in Abuja, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan explained that Dr. Sanya is entitled to all the rights and privileges as applicable to other National honours in the Country. In a citation read at the 12th National productivity Day Celebration, Dr. Sanya was described as a Medical Philanthropist whose generosity and commitment to health care delivery system in Ekiti State is legendary. To him, being a change agent in the medical practice will reduce the enormous dangers, his people had been exposed to, over the years, hence, he worked harder to leave his imprints on the sand of time. In concrete terms, this unique medical practitioner has recorded significant feats in his chosen career, some of which are as follows: The introduction of blood transfusion with locally-assembled materials, due to non-availability of traditional EBT kits since 2003; The introduction of locally-assembled phototherapy units as part of management of babies with neonatal jaundice; The improvisation of warming lamps for premature babies before the availability of incubators, as well as auto-transfusion of patients with internal bleeding with locally assembled equipment. The impact of his efforts have been recorded in the great reduction in neonatal deaths and brain damage. There have been fewer referral of babies to Teaching Hospitals far away and with the attendant risks. His efforts has led to the reduction in the need for cross-matched blood as well as reduction in deaths from internal haemorrhage leading to improved patronage of Ekiti State Health Management Board’s facilities with increased turnover in revenue. He used his ingenuity and creative skills to introduce blood transfusion with locally assembled materials which recorded a huge success and a reference point today. He initiated free heath education and medical check-ups to the elderly in the community. He also provided locally-derived anti-sickling research based herbal medicine for treating sickle cell patients with significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. Reacting to the award conferred on Dr. Sanya who is the Acting Provost, ABUAD College of Medicine, the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) described the honor as richly deserved. He said, it is obvious that his impressive leadership strides and brilliant developmental imprints are not unnoticed by the Federal Government. He urged him not to relent on his oars but see the award as a catalyst for more accomplishments. Aare thanked the Federal Government for rewarding excellence. The Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Sidi Osho while congratulating him on this outstanding achievement said, she is happy that Dr. Sanya is a member of the ABUAD family, adding that the award is a confirmation of his passion for work, his enthusiasm for service delivery and his overall contributions to nation building. On his part, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Ajisafe was full of praises for Dr. Sanya, who he described as cool, calm and collected. He thanked the Federal Government for the gesture, which according to him was a giant stride in encouraging citizens who put service above other interests. Prof. Ajisafe commended Dr. Sanya for his immense contributions to the development of the health sector, a special blessing from God to humanity, a generous giver, an exemplary man who refused to bow to the taunting of poverty, but rose to the challenge of being one of the best in his chosen career. He lauded his tenacity of purpose while reminding him that there are many heights to reach. Joseph Olurotimi Sanya was born at Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on June 11, 1956. He attended the All Saints’ Primary School, Iyin Ekiti (1962-1967); Eyemote Comprehensive High School, Iyin-Ekiti (1973-1976); University of Lagos (1977-1978); College of Medicine, University of Calabar (1978-1983); Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (2001-2003); and the University of Ilorin (2007-2010). Rotimi Sanya began his work career as House Officer, University College Teaching Hospital, Calabar (1983); National Youth Service Corps Programme (1984); Medical Officer II with the Ondo State Government (1985-1987); Medical Officer I (1987-1990); Senior Medical Officer II (19190-1993); Senior Medical Officer I (1993-1996); Principal Medical Officer II, with the Ekiti State Government (1996-1999); Principal Medical Officer I (1999-2002); Chief Medical Officer (2002-2004); Associate Lecturer, University of Ado-Ekiti, (2003-2008); Chief Medical director (2004-2006); and Acting Director of Health Services, College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, (2008-2010). He served his professional colleagues and Ekiti State Government with his God-given skills in various capacities, such as; Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti State (1998-2000); Board Member, Ekiti State Hospital Management Board (1998-1999); Board Member, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti (2000-2003); Member, Hospital Management Committee, State Specialist Hospital,(S.S.H) Ado-Ekiti (1999-2004); Head, Department of Paediatrics, S.S.H, Ado-Ekiti (1997-2004); Chief Medical Director, S.S.H, Ikere-Ekiti (2004-2007); and Member, Steering Committee of Paths Ekiti State (2005-2006) As a scholar and researcher, Dr. Sanya has to his credit, scores of profound writings published in books, journals, and proceedings. He is married with children.