“Olorunnimbe”: God Has Been So Good To Me, Says Dr Akinro As He Celebrates 70th Birthday

Dr Nimbe Akinro is the Medical Director of First City Hospital, Osapa, Lekki, Lagos (1986 till date). On the occasion of his 70th birthday, he spoke to Ademola Akinbola, Publisher of The Podium International Magazine, on diverse issues relating to his life, career, and profession. Here are excerpts…

Who is Dr Nimbe Akinro? Tell us more about your birth, parents, and childhood.

I am an indigene of Ile-Oluji in Ondo State. I was born in Kaduna on the 5th of August 1955 to the family of Chief Nathaniel A. Akinro and Mrs. Esther M. Akinro, both of blessed memories. I attended primary schools at different times at Ile-Oluji and Kaduna. I had my secondary education at St. Joseph College, Ondo, from where I proceeded to Government College, Ibadan, for HSC and ‘A’ Level. I attended the University of Ibadan and graduated with an MBBS in June 1980.

I worked at State Hospital, Akure, Gbagada General Hospital, Holy Trinity Hospital, Ikeja, and St. Nicholas Hospital, all in Lagos. In February 1985, I went into partnership with a colleague of mine and established the First City Hospital with a permanent site at Lekki. By the grace of God, I have been contributing my quota actively to humanity and to the development of the healthcare sector in Nigeria.

What was growing up like? What childhood memories would you love to share with us?

My growing up was fun. There was no maltreatment, no abuse, no extra work apart from school work, staying in my father’s shop after the close of school, and going for singing practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I knew all the drugs for most ailments by the time I was in Primary 5, based on my experience of working in my father’s shop.

How do you feel clocking 70? Will anything change in your approach to life?

I feel grateful to God Almighty for making me see the day, for it is not my doing but for the special grace of God. May God’s name be forever praised. My lifestyle will not change, most especially at this age. If you realise that my childhood experiences from school to my father’s shop, to singing practice, then back home. It is usually said that if you teach your child the way to go, he will not depart from that way.

What are the challenges that have confronted you in life? How did you surmount them?

I can’t remember any. I believe that every disappointment has been a blessing in disguise. I have always believed in this since my childhood. For instance, I never saw my spending nine to ten years on my primary education, for no fault of mine, as an obstacle. I saw it as a divine arrangement for my promotion in life. God has been so kind to me; I believe maybe it has something to do with my name, “Olorunnimbe”.

What are your golden rules for a successful and fulfilled life?

The golden rule is to do to others as you want them to do to you. This rule should be practised in your relationship with people in everything that has to do with you.

Are you fulfilled at 70? What are your greatest achievements?

Demola, I am fulfilled, and I can lay claim to many achievements. To the glory of God, I have been able to achieve most of the things that I set out to do early in life. I am still alive, and as long as God gives me the grace, I am still achieving noble feats for myself, my family, and humanity. To the glory of God, with thanks to Him, I consider myself a fulfilled man who the Lord has blessed with resources and lovely people everywhere around me.

What are your regrets in life? Are there things you wish you had done?

Nothing, to be honest, I think there were some things I wished I had done, but that I didn’t. Still, I have no regret. I am a very contented person; hence, I give God all the glory for what I have been able to do. I also thank the beautiful people God planted in my life, such as my lovely wife and children. I also thank my extended family, friends, and associates for the various roles they have played.

Are there things you wish you had not done?

There is none. Like I said, I am content. I am not sure there is any human being who can say he has been able to achieve everything in life, no matter how old they grow to become. We should learn to be satisfied with whatever God enables us to achieve.

What is your definition of success?

Success refers to the accomplishment of desired goals or objectives. It involves achieving positive outcomes in various aspects of life, be it career, relationship, family life, or other areas of value. So, the definition of success will also depend on each individual. It has to do with your values and principles, as well as your life goals. For me, success is when you can achieve or surpass your set goals, while in the process also adding value to people’s lives and creating a lasting impact on society. To that extent, I am successful and happy with what God has empowered me to do for myself, my family, and humanity in general.

What are your success principles? ⁠

Hmmm… There are many. Commit yourself to a set of values or principles, and stay true to them. Be consistent in living out your values without being rigid or fastidious. Long-term success is built on trust, authenticity, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Enduring success is predicated on you being principled, hardworking, focused, consistent, persistent, and God-fearing.

What are your plans for the immediate future?

First, I thank God for yesterday and today. The future is in His hands. My plans will encompass a wide range of goals and aspirations. For an effective plan, I will have to identify my goals and break them into stages. However, without mincing words, my immediate plan is to reduce my workload and think seriously about succession plans for my business. One of the hallmarks of successful leaders is the ability to replicate themselves and produce worthy successors.

What advice would you offer towards the continuous development of the Ile-Oluji Kingdom?

We thank God for blessing us with our Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin, FIIN, FCIB, Jimoko II, the Jegun Olu-Ekun and Paramount Ruler of Ile-Oluji Kingdom. He has proved to be the best man for the job of transforming Ile-Oluji. So far, so good, I will say. He is well educated, experienced, exposed, and vastly knowledgeable in management, especially management of human resources. Also, we are fortunate to have members of the Jegun-in-Council, the esteemed High Chiefs, who are doing creditably well, supporting Kabiyesi.

There is also the Ile-Oluji Assembly, which has become the foremost development partner of the Jegun and the Ile-Oluji Development Council (IDC) under the able leadership of Oloye Aro Sola Akinfemiwa, OON, the Speaker.

They are all performing beautifully in the development of the town. May the Lord continue to strengthen and sustain them all. As you know, the reward for hard work is more work, and there is no perfect system. So, there is room for improvement. l pray that God will continue to imbue our leaders with knowledge and wisdom. I also pray that our people will become more prosperous and more committed so that they can do more tangible things for Ile-Oluji.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading novels, drawing, and painting.

Who or what influenced your choice of Medicine as a career?

I wanted to study Pharmacy and produce drugs since I had been helping my father sell drugs after school. I changed my course to Medicine when I was admitted to the 6th form in Government College, Ibadan. Also, most of my colleagues wanted to study Medicine, hence I changed my mind, and I have no regrets.

If you were not a medical doctor, what would you have been?

I would have studied Pharmacy. That was the course of my choice since I was in primary school, because my dad had a patent medicine store for a very long time. I developed an interest in producing drugs since then, until my interest changed to Medicine.

Tell us about your wife

I am lucky to have gotten my friend as a wife. OluBee is so kind and loving, very friendly, and accommodating.

Which words best describe your personality?

I am a gentleman with the fear of God. Abi, what do you think? (laughs).

You are right, sir, you are a perfect gentleman. I can personally attest to that over the years of knowing you. Thank you for your time and congratulations, once again.

Thank you, Demola. Iwo naa a dagba loruko Jesu.

Amin. E se sir.

AGAIN AND AGAIN, I WOULD CHOOSE NIMBE, O FI MI LOKAN BALE – Mrs Bunmi Akinro

How did you meet Dr Akinro?

NJ (as I fondly call my husband) and I met through Mr. Akinlabi Oladimeji (of blessed memory) when I was working in Broad Bank about 35 years ago. He would call to speak with Mr. Oladimeji, and I would be the one to connect his calls to him. He asked how I spent my weekend, and I told him with my parents in Ibadan. He offered to drop me off on one of the weekends, and he asked if he could be my friend. From being his friend, I became his Valentine, and from being his Val, I said “YES” to be his bride. The rest, they say, is history (laughter).

How has the marital journey been?

Oh, the journey so far has been awesome and amazing, thanks to God. NJ is a great guy, and because we understand ourselves, it’s been so easy, even though a lot of people would say marriage is not a bed of roses. God has always been there for us. We are both committed to living for each other, and that has worked for us and the entire family.

What is your assessment of his personality? Tell us the other side of him that we don’t know.

Nimbe carries gentleness like it is second nature, not a performance, but a way of being. And when he loves, it’s with full sincerity, no games, no half measures, just the real thing. He takes you seriously – not just your words, but your needs, your joy, and your fears. That kind of attentiveness is rare, and it speaks to a deep integrity at his core.

Would you choose him all over if you had to do it again?

Again and again, I would choose NJ. O fi mi lokanbale.

What are the attributes you cherish in him as your husband and as the father of your children?

 I cherish his steadfastness. I never have to wonder where I stand with him – he makes it clear that I am valued, seen, and safe with him. His gentleness is awesome. As a father to our beautiful children, NJ is there – not just physically but emotionally. He is involved, intentional, and nurturing in his role as their father.

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Our Dad

Our dad is a man of quiet strength and unwavering kindness. He has always stood tall with integrity, showing me—through his actions—what it means to be truly present for others. I grew up watching him show up for family, friends, and the wider community, never seeking recognition, only choosing to give.

His wisdom, dedication, and selflessness are qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody. He has been a guiding light and the perfect role model—teaching not just through words, but through a life well lived. We love him beyond words.

Happy 70th Birthday, Dad.

Akinwale and Tomilayo

Dear Dad,

Happy 70th Birthday

For as long as I can remember, you’ve been the man I looked up to—the steady hand, the quiet strength, the soft-spoken guide in my life. Growing up, all I wanted was to be a copy-and-paste version of you. I watched how you carried yourself with grace, how you showed love without needing loud words.

You have always been there for us when it mattered. In every challenge, you showed up—not just physically, but emotionally and wholeheartedly—for our family. And in doing so, you taught me what true love and commitment look like.

But I’ve come to understand that your dream isn’t for us to be you, but to be better than you, as you would often say. That realization changed everything. It made me see that your greatness wasn’t just in who you are, but in how selfless your love has always been. You never wanted to cast a shadow. I see now that you were building a light for us to walk in.

You are calm, sweet, loving, and full of quiet wisdom. You are the example I carry with me every day. And while I know I may never quite match the man you are, I promise to live in a way that honours the love, the lessons, and the legacy you’ve given me.

Happy 70th, Dad. Thank you for everything—for being someone I could always turn to, and even more, someone I could always be inspired by.

With all my love,

Akintunde Akinro (AKT)

Brief Profile of Dr Olorunnimbe Akinro

Education

St. Peter’s Pry School, Ile-Oluji (1961-1962); ⁠St. Michael’s Pry. School, Kaduna (1964-1966); LA Pry. School, Ile-Oluji (1967-1968); ⁠St. Joseph’s College, Ondo (1969-1973); ⁠Government College, Ibadan (1973-1975), University of Ibadan (1975-1980).

Professional Qualification: MBBS (1980)

Career History

• State Hospital, Akure  (1980 -1981)
• ⁠NYSC, Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos (1981 -1982)
• ⁠Medical Officer, Holy Trinity Hospital, Ikeja (1982-1983).
• Medical Officer, ⁠St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos (1983-1986). Officer).
• ⁠Medical Director, First City Hospital, Osapa, Lekki, Lagos (1986 till date).
• Managing Director, Bicta Energy & Management Systems Limited (2011 to date).

Professional Associations:

Member: Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); ⁠Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), and Marginal Field Operators Group (MFOG).

Social Affiliations

Member, Ikoyi Club 1938; ⁠Oijefon Quality Club, Ile-Oluji, and New Life Christian Society, Ile-Oluji.

He is married to Olubunmi Adesola Akinro, and the marriage is blessed with children.