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Papa Christopher A. Ajao Passes on to Glory - Nigeria Physiotherapy Community Lost a Gem!

Sign online condolence register at: http://www.valleyoflife.com/cajao

Honourable Christopher Agboola Ajao, MCSP, FNSPWith deep regrets, but celebrating a life well spent in the service of humanity, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy and the Nigeria Physiotherapy Network announces the passing to eternal glory of a doyen of Physiotherapy in Nigeria; Honourable Christopher Agboola Ajao, MCSP, FNSP. Papa Ajao transitioned to glory on Thursday November 10, 2011 at the age of 79 years.

The beloved Chris Ajao, an indigene of Ogbomosho in the current Oyo State of Nigeria, was born on 9th of Sept 1932. He attended Baptist Day School, Iwo, in the current Osun State, Nigeria. He later attended Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta from 1945-1950. where he graduated with grade One in the Cambridge School Certificate. After his High School education, Chris Ajao proceeded to the Bradford School of Physiotherapy in the United Kingdom  where he studied Physiotherapy and became a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

On returning to Nigeria, Chris Ajao joined the services of the then Government of the Western Region of Nigeria as a physiotherapist rising to the highest rank possible in his days as a Chief Physiotherapist. Chris Ajao's services transferred to that of the Oyo State Government after the state was carved out of the old Western Region. Chris Ajao remained in the services of the Oyo State Government until his meritotious retirement in 1984.

Chris Ajao is a pioneer and a doyen of physiotherapy in Nigeria. He co-founded the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) in 1959 with Pa T. Abayomi Oshin and became the pioneer secretary of the Society. He later served as the first Nigerian/indigenous Chairman of the Society and also became a 3-time President of the NSP. He was the first Nigerian Physiotherapist to be ever appointed a State Commissioner in Nigeria. He was Commissioner of Information and Culture in the old Oyo State. Chris Ajao pioneered and introduced the concept of Community Physiotherapy Service in Nigeria in 1974 extending Physiotherapy to the rural areas.

Community Service
Chief Christopher Agboola Ajao is first a physiotherapist per excellence, but also a man of many parts who gave his life to the service of mankind. He served his community very well and was a lover of the youth and an advocate for persons with disabilities. Indeed, his interest in culture/social issues was outstanding. He was apppointed the State Scout President in 1995. A keen scouter, he maintained a continous service to Scout Association of Nigeria and rose to the post of Chief Executive of the Association. Using Scouting as a base, his commitment to youth development is all embracing. His contribution to the development of his native Ogbomoso is immense. He was the pioneer Secretary of Ogbomoso Investment Club, dedicated to the economic development of the Ogbomosho town. He is involved with most developments projects in the town, but preferred no advertisement of his contributions and services. Chris Ajao has a great love of history, culture, nature, improvement and preservation of the environment.

Chris Ajao is a culture enthusiast and environmentalist promoting the conservation of monument and artifacts as well as conservation of fauna and flora. He is a member of LEGACY, the historical and architectural interest group of the Nigerian Field Society, the oldest environmental group in Nigeria.

Author and Writer
Chris Ajao is a prolific writer! He authored many articles and books during his life time. Examples of some of his works include:
Other Honours and Awards
In recognition of his contributions to the NSP and the Physiotherapy profession in Nigeria, Chris Ajao was awarded a Silver Jubilee Meritorious Honour in 1985 and a Honorary Fellow of the NSP Award in 2001. Some of his other numerous honours and awards include:
  • Social Secretary, B.B.H.S. Abeokuta Old Boys’Association, 1972-1981
  • Silver Jubilee Merit Award, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, 1985
  • Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Physitherapy
  • Foundation Member, Nigeria Association of Sports Medicine
  • Foundation Member, Ogbomoso Investment Club, 1999
  • State Commissioner, Boy Scouts, Oyo State, 1991-1994
  • President, Boy Scouts Oyo State - 1995
  • Foundation Life Member, Nigeria Council of Social Service
  • Life member of the Board, Home School for Handicapped Children, Ijokodo, Ibadan
  • Founder/Member, Nigeria Association of Fish Farmers and Aquaculturist - 1987
  • Member of “LEGACY”,- Historical and Architectural Organisation
  • Member, Nigeria Field Society
Indeed, the Nigeria Physiotherapy Community has lost a gem!

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy and the Nigeria Physiotherapy Network extend our condolences to Chief (Mrs) Ajao, his wife of 52 years, and the entire Ajao family. We wish Papa Chrsitopher Ajao eternal rest. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the family.

Please sign an online condolence registered opened by the NSP and the NPN at:
http://www.valleyoflife.com/cajao


Credit:
http://www.ogbomoso.net/HonAjao.html. Accessed November 13, 2011.

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Published
18:40:23 13.11.2011