By Esosa Omorogbe
Renowned medical practitioner and former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Professor Yele Abiodun, has been honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the development of standards and guidelines for organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria.
The award was presented to Professor Abiodun in Abuja during the annual celebration of Living Donor Day, a global event observed every April to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage voluntary donations that save lives.
The organisers said the award was in recognition of Professor Abiodun's pivotal role in establishing and promoting standards and guidelines that regulate organ donation and transplantation practices across the country. The framework, they noted, was designed to prevent illegal activities, discourage organ commercialisation, uphold ethical standards, and ensure that organ transplantation procedures are conducted only by qualified medical professionals.
Speaking at the event, stakeholders in the health sector commended Professor Abiodun for providing visionary leadership in strengthening the regulatory environment governing organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, the guidelines have helped to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance in organ transplantation, while ensuring that organ donation remains strictly voluntary and based on informed consent by donors.
The body also used the occasion to educate the public on the life-saving benefits of organ donation, stressing that voluntary donation can offer critically ill patients a second chance at life.
Professor Abiodun currently serves as Chairman of the National Tertiary Health Institution body, which, under the provisions of the National Health Act, has the additional mandate of regulating organ donation and transplantation activities in Nigeria.
Responding to the recognition, Professor Abiodun expressed appreciation for the honour and reiterated his commitment to promoting ethical medical practices and strengthening healthcare regulations in the country.
He emphasized the need for continued public enlightenment on organ donation, noting that increased awareness would help save lives while safeguarding the rights and dignity of both donors and recipients.
The award is widely seen as a testament to Professor Abiodun's enduring contributions to Nigeria's healthcare sector and his commitment to ensuring that organ donation and transplantation practices adhere to globally accepted ethical and professional standards.
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