Good day members of the Oruamabo family, Members of BOT of PAN, Members of PAN Exco, PAN Elders, members of PAN and organisers of this event, distinguished guests.
I wish to appreciate all the organisers of this tribute. It is an honourable thing you have done to celebrate your teacher and mentor. Although we would have preferred to be celebrating his birthday today the 22nd of April 2024.
It was with shock that we received the sad news of the demise of Professor Raphael Sonny Oruamabo a past President of Paediatric Association of Nigeria.
When the name Prof Oruamabo is mentioned, the first word that comes to me is a gentleman. A fine gentleman at that. A towering figure in our Association. He was a great man with truly remarkable achievements. A distinguished paediatrician who made significant strides in his field that earned him the Distinguished Paediatrician award in 2011 during my tenure as Secretary of our Association. Here are some of his notable accomplishments:
Prof. Oruamabo was a respected leader in the field of Paediatrics, contributing to the advancement of child healthcare. He was President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) from 2004 to 2007
When PAN was ripe for sub-specialty Societies, NISONM would emerge as the first and Prof. Oruamabo was the Pioneer President of Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine (NISONM) in 2008. He laid the foundation for the flourishing Neonatal Society we have today.
His passion for the Nigerian child is reflected in the 44th Inaugural lecture of the University of Port Harcourt given by him on September 29, 2005, entitled, “Our Children Suffer and Die for Nothing”.
He played a pivotal role in the development of medical education as the Provost at the Niger Delta University.
Beyond his medical career, he was also recognized as a Chief, showing his deep connection to his community and cultural heritage.
Prof. Oruamabo was known for his mentorship, guiding many through their careers in medicine and beyond.
Today though he is not here with us anymore, his legacy continues through the lives he touched, the students he mentored, and the community he served. His dedication to his family, his community, and his profession set a standard of excellence and compassion that will be remembered for generations to come.
Our prayer is that God will comfort his family and console them with the knowledge that their husband, father, grandfather, uncle and close relative lived a good life that positively impacted many. May his gentle soul rest in peace. God bless you all.
