Nigerian Billionaire Gives 1,000 Free Health Screenings at 86

When Razaq Okoya turned 86 this January, he traded birthday candles for blood pressure cuffs and a celebration cake for cancer screenings. The billionaire chairman of Eleganza Group transformed his sprawling Oluwanisola Estate into a temporary medical clinic, offering eight days of completely free healthcare to his Lagos community.

From January 5 to 12, residents of Ajah and surrounding neighborhoods lined up outside his estate gates along the Lekki-Ajah Expressway. They came for general consultations, HIV testing, dental care, eye exams with free glasses, diabetes checks, and wellness counseling.

"Health is wealth," Okoya explained simply. "This is my personal way of giving back to the communities that host my business and residence."

The billionaire, known locally as the Aare of Lagos, chose service over spectacle. While many ultra-wealthy individuals celebrate milestone birthdays with exclusive parties, Okoya opened his doors wide.

More than 1,000 people walked through during the week, receiving not just examinations but free medication and medical referrals when needed. For many residents in the area, it was their first comprehensive health screening in years.

On the final day, Okoya did allow himself a modest celebration. Lagos business and social leaders gathered at the estate while medical services continued around them. His wife Shade, their children, and grandchildren joined as saxophonist Shola Sax filled the air with music.

Three white cakes decorated with gold and black details stood ready as guests sang "Happy Birthday." The moment drew a standing ovation, but the real applause belonged to the healthcare workers still seeing patients nearby.

Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu attended alongside Deputy Governor's wife Oluremi Hamzat and prominent business figures. Even in celebration, the focus remained on community impact.

The Ripple Effect

Okoya's birthday gift extends far beyond one week of free care. The 1,000 residents who received screenings now have critical health information they might never have accessed otherwise. Early cancer detection, HIV status knowledge, and corrective eyewear can literally change the trajectory of lives.

His choice sends a powerful message to other business leaders about using wealth and milestones as opportunities for community investment. The outreach didn't just treat immediate health needs but modeled how private citizens can fill healthcare gaps in developing communities.

For residents who walked through those estate gates, the gift was both practical and dignified. They received quality medical attention without charity's usual condescension, simply because a neighbor decided his birthday should benefit everyone.

At 86, Okoya shows that the best celebrations leave everyone healthier than they started.