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Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (1933–1997): A Pioneer of Modern Nigerian Medicine and Academia

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Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh was one of the most influential figures in Nigerian medical history. A pioneering physician, scholar, and administrator, he shaped the country’s medical education system and helped lay the groundwork for modern research institutions whose impact endures today.

Early Life and Heritage

Born on 4 October 1933 in Lagos, Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh came from a family steeped in the story of Nigeria itself. His father, Julius Gordon Kwasi Adadevoh, traced his ancestry to the royal house of Anyako in Ghana, while his mother, Sarah Abigail Idowu Adadevoh (née Macaulay), was the daughter of Herbert Macaulay, the renowned nationalist and one of the leading voices for Nigerian independence.
This proud lineage of civic responsibility and public service would echo through Babatunde’s life and later in the work of his own daughter, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, the physician whose courageous actions during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Lagos saved countless lives.

Education and Medical Training

Adadevoh’s early schooling at Baptist Academy, Lagos, and Igbobi College, Yaba, prepared him for a life of rigorous scholarship. He began his medical studies at University College, Ibadan, then affiliated with the University of London, before moving to the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom to complete his degree.

His quest for advanced knowledge took him further afield: postgraduate work at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital between 1962 and 1964 placed him in the company of some of the world’s leading medical scientists. These experiences broadened his vision and gave him the skills to help build Nigeria’s fledgling medical research infrastructure.

Academic Career and Research

By 1968, Adadevoh had become Professor of Chemical Pathology at the University of Ibadan, where he trained a generation of Nigerian medical scientists. His research spanned abnormal haemoglobins, reproduction, and family planning among African populations—fields that were vital to the development of public health strategies in a newly independent nation.

He also became the first editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Journal of Medical Sciences, creating a platform for Nigerian medical researchers to publish and share their findings at a time when opportunities for African scientists were scarce.

Leadership and Nation-Building

Adadevoh’s influence went far beyond the laboratory. He served as the first Director of the Medical Research Council of Nigeria, the body that later evolved into today’s Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). His leadership helped institutionalize medical research and set national standards for scientific inquiry.

In November 1978, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), a position he held until 1980. His tenure coincided with a turbulent period of military rule and student activism, yet he guided the institution through expansion and reform, reinforcing its status as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.

Adadevoh also worked closely with the Nigerian Medical Council, serving as Secretary to the Board in Physic (Medicine)—a role central to establishing professional standards and laying the groundwork for what would become the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, ensuring that Nigeria could train its own medical specialists without relying exclusively on overseas institutions.

A Sportsman and Scholar

Beyond the lecture halls and boardrooms, Adadevoh was a talented cricketer, representing his school, university, and even playing at national level. Cricket, a sport introduced during the colonial period, became for him both recreation and a symbol of the cosmopolitan education that defined Nigeria’s early professional elite.

Legacy and Family Continuity

Professor Adadevoh died on 5 October 1997, just one day after his 64th birthday. His legacy lives on in multiple ways:

in Nigeria’s strong postgraduate medical training system and research culture; in the many physicians and academics he mentored; and in the heroic example of his daughter, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, whose courage during the Ebola crisis in 2014 echoed her father’s lifelong commitment to public health and national service.

Today, his life stands as a testament to the possibilities of visionary leadership in science and education—and to a family tradition of service that spans generations.

Sources:
Royal College of Physicians. “Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh.” Inspiring Physicians. history.rcp.ac.uk

Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF). “Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh.” blerf.org

University of Lagos Archives. “History of Vice-Chancellors.” unilag.edu.ng

Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and medical history—a bridge between the nationalist spirit of his grandfather Herbert Macaulay and the modern public health heroism of his daughter, Dr. Stella Adadevoh.

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Late Actress Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola a.k.a Ireti

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Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola a.k.a Ireti | was One of Nigerian Actress That Should Not Be Forgotten In The HISTORY Of Nollywood Film Industry. One of generation of actors who made home videos popular in the 1990s

Aunty Ireti was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where she also grew up. Aunty Ireti was a producer, film writer, director and an outstanding actress. Unknown to many, her younger relative, Opeyemi Adekola(Not Odunlade)is also an actor and was inspired to take to the thespian art because of his latè aunty. While speaking with Naijarchives, Mr. Opeyemi Ohiomare Adekola explained that the làte Ireti and his own dad were cousins. Mr. Adekola also revealed to us that while both Odunlade Adekola and their family are both from Oyo State, they hail from different parts: Ireti’s own are from Ogbomosho while Odunlade Adekola is from Otun Ekiti. I guess that lays to rest the popular rum0ur that Odunlade Adekola is Ireti’s younger brother. While an actress, the late Ireti was known for starring in many fl|cks alongside Taiwo Hassan aka Ogogo

Following her d£ath, there was a sp0ntaneous outpouring of grief across the nation. On the 30th September, 2002, her body in a glistening white c0ffin was on display for her last public appearance at the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos before her ßurial. Ireti mentored many actress in her lifetime, grooming them to become stars in their own right, one of whom is Bisi-Ibidapo Obe aka Omo Logba Logba. Ireti was also the role model for Ibironke Ojo aka Ronke Oshodi-Oke.

HOW DID SHE GET THE NAME ‘IRETI’?

In 1993, Jide Kosoko released a movie titled Asiri Nla and in it, she acted the role of Ireti, and that was how the name stuck.

HER D£ATH

Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola di£d after a brief illn£ss due to some c0mplications susp£cted to be from typh0id f£ver. She gave up the gh0st at Unity Hospital, a private medical center in Surulere, Lagos State
This writeup(Caption) is from Ayeni Abayomi page

In October 2012, ten years after she di£d, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) decided to launch the Ireti Adekola Foundation (IAF) at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos to imm0rtalize her name. The foundation was established to take care of single mothers and mentor upcoming and talented actors and actresses.

In the 1990s before the likes of Jenifa and the rest, Nigerian actress, Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola graced the screen of millions across the nation, especially lovers of Yoruba movies. Popularly known as Ireti, she dazzled many with her acting skills until her d£ath on Friday, 27th September, 2002.

Some of the movie She got starred in includes👇

-IKE OWO
-AGBA AKIN
-OLAONIRAN
-23/24 LORO ILE AYE
-AYE AWA OBINRIN (the last movie she appeared in before her d£mise)

Rest well Legend

You’re a screen g0ddess and one of the few most s0ught after relatively younger actresses who made Nollywood attractive in the late 1990s. You are part of the generation of actors who made home videos popular in the 1990s.

©️Ayeni Abayomi

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Toyin Adegbola: The Enduring Star of Yoruba Cinema

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From “Asewo to Re Mecca” to cultural icon – the remarkable journey of one of Nollywood’s most beloved actresses

Early Life and Family Background

Toyin Adegbola was born on December 28, 1961, in Osun State, Nigeria. She hails from a family with deep creative roots, being the cousin of the legendary actor and filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love) and his children — among them Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Moji Afolayan, all prominent figures in Nigerian cinema.

Growing up in southwestern Nigeria, Toyin’s early exposure to Yoruba culture and storytelling inspired her passion for performance. Before venturing into acting, she worked briefly as a television broadcaster and teacher, experiences that shaped her confidence and communication skills.

Rise to Stardom

Toyin Adegbola began her acting career in 1984, marking her debut in the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood. She gained national fame after starring in the classic Yoruba film Asewo to Re Mecca (translated as The Prostitute Who Went to Mecca), which earned her the enduring nickname “Toyin Asewo to Re Mecca.”

The film, released during a period when Yoruba cinema was expanding rapidly, portrayed themes of repentance, morality, and redemption, resonating deeply with audiences across Nigeria. Her ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to complex characters quickly made her one of the most recognisable faces in the industry.

Over the years, she has featured in hundreds of Yoruba films, spanning genres from traditional folklore to contemporary drama. Some of her notable works include:

Deadly Affair (1995)

Irapada (2006)

Arojinle (2018)

Arinola, Alaanu Mi, and Temidire

Through these roles, Toyin Adegbola established herself as a versatile actress, capable of interpreting both comedic and deeply emotional characters.

Beyond Acting: Producer, Director, and Cultural Ambassador

In addition to her acting career, Toyin Adegbola has worked as a producer and director, contributing to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema and mentoring younger filmmakers. Her deep understanding of cultural nuances allows her to bring authenticity to her productions, preserving Yoruba values and traditions through storytelling.

In 2016, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Amuludun of Osogboland by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II. The title, meaning “Mother of Entertainment”, recognised her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and her role in promoting Yoruba culture globally.

Legacy and Influence

Toyin Adegbola’s influence extends far beyond the screen. She represents a generation of Nigerian actresses who helped shape the identity of Yoruba cinema before the digital boom of Nollywood. Her continued presence in film and television demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to artistic excellence.

She has also served in various capacities within industry associations, advocating for the welfare of actors and supporting emerging talents. In interviews, she has often spoken about the importance of discipline, humility, and cultural pride for those aspiring to build lasting careers in the entertainment sector.

Personal Life

Toyin Adegbola is a mother and grandmother, often described as warm and deeply spiritual. She balances her creative pursuits with community involvement and philanthropic activities, particularly in Osun State. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she remains one of the most respected figures in Nigerian entertainment.

References

Vanguard Nigeria. (2016). Toyin Adegbola Bags Chieftaincy Title in Osogbo.

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Patricia Olubunmi Etteh: Nigeria’s First Female Speaker of the House of Representatives

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A trailblazer in Nigerian politics and the first woman to lead the country’s House of Representatives

Patricia Olubunmi Etteh remains one of the most notable figures in Nigeria’s democratic history, recognised as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Her appointment in June 2007 marked a significant moment for women’s representation in Nigerian politics — a symbolic breakthrough that inspired many across the nation.

Born on August 17, 1953, in Ikire, Osun State, Patricia Etteh trained and worked as a beauty therapist before venturing into politics. She attended the University of Abuja, where she earned a Law degree, demonstrating her commitment to self-development and governance.

Etteh began her political journey as a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, representing Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal Constituency of Osun State. Her charisma, grassroots appeal, and advocacy for women’s inclusion in leadership quickly made her a respected voice in the legislature.

In June 2007, she made history when she was elected Speaker of the 6th House of Representatives, becoming the first and only woman to occupy that position in Nigeria’s history. Her emergence was seen as a victory for gender equality and a testament to her political influence within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

However, her tenure was short-lived. In October 2007, Etteh faced allegations of financial misconduct related to the renovation of her official residence and the purchase of vehicles for the National Assembly. Though she denied any wrongdoing and maintained that all processes were duly approved, public and political pressure led to her resignation after just five months in office.

Despite the controversy, Patricia Etteh’s impact on Nigerian politics cannot be dismissed. Her rise to the position of Speaker shattered long-standing gender barriers, paving the way for more women to aspire to top political offices. Over the years, she has remained active in political and social advocacy, supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and participation in governance.

Etteh’s story is not merely one of power and controversy — it is a narrative of courage, ambition, and the pursuit of equality in a male-dominated political landscape. As a Yoruba woman from Osun State, her achievement continues to resonate as a source of pride in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Her portrait — often used in educational and historical references — serves as a reminder of the progress made and the journey yet to come for Nigerian women in politics.

References:

National Assembly of Nigeria archives

Daily Trust historical profiles (2007)

Premium Times Nigeria political retrospectives

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