The Other Side of Okoya’s 86th Birthday
A day may be a simple unit of time, but for Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, legacy appears to matter far more than celebration.
That philosophy came to life as the Okoya family marked the business mogul’s 86th birthday with a free medical outreach, aimed at providing quality healthcare to members of the public who lack the financial means to access it.
The week-long programme, tagged “Rasaq Okoya at 86 Medical Outreach,” commenced on January 1, 2026, at the family’s Lekki residence, where the gates of the mansion were opened to hundreds of beneficiaries.
(Mrs. Sade Okoya, Chief Rasaq Okoya and a personality)
Under the coordination of the family—led by Chief Okoya’s youngest wife, Mrs. Sade Okoya—members of the public received a wide range of medical services, including dental care, cancer screening, HIV tests, and other essential health checks.
Speaking during the outreach, Mrs. Okoya explained that free medical interventions have long been part of the family’s tradition, but this edition was deliberately expanded and made public to commemorate her husband’s milestone birthday.
“This is not new to our family,” she said. “It has only become more visible because we decided to use it to mark his 86th birthday. It is a week-long exercise, and every day, no fewer than 150 people who are not related to our family are attended to.”
She added that the overwhelming turnout had prompted plans to scale up future editions.
“We have realised that more people are coming than expected, so we will have to plan more. Health is wealth, and this outreach will be an annual programme. Our people should come around to benefit from free medical check-ups and treatment,” she said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Eleganza Industries, Mr. Subomi Okoya, said the outreach was born out of the realisation that many Nigerians need medical attention but lack the resources to obtain it.
“This programme is for the downtrodden and for anyone who needs to check their health status,” he said. “The best way to celebrate my father is not only with fanfare, but by giving back to society through social and medical responsibility.”
His sister, Ms. Abiola Okoya, described the outreach as a reflection of their father’s values and lifestyle.
“My father has a good heart. He wants people to live healthy lives, and it shows in him. At 86, he is still hale and hearty,” she said. “May he live to 90 and beyond, in Jesus’ name.”
Beneficiaries at the outreach expressed gratitude for the initiative.
One of them, Olori Bunmi Akiloye, wife of the Ojomu of Akinran in Eti-Osa, said she was able to undergo dental treatment that had troubled her for a long time.
“If I had gone to a private hospital, I would not spend less than ₦100,000 to remove the tooth, but it was done here free,” she said. “Chief Okoya is a true philanthropist who prefers helping people rather than spending money on lavish parties.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Abdulwaheed Olayinka, said he benefited from prostate cancer screening and dental treatment at no cost.
“I will inform my friends and relatives who have health challenges to come before the outreach ends,” he said.
(Beneficiary, Waheed Olayinka)
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, who attended the event, commended the initiative, describing it as a commendable private-sector contribution to public health.
“This outreach sends a strong message that health is very important. While Lagos State runs public health programmes, Chief Okoya has chosen to personally fund medical services and drugs for the people,” the adviser said.
As the outreach continues, it stands not just as a birthday activity, but as a statement of values, one that places health, compassion, and social responsibility at the centre of celebration.
