Speeches

Autobiography Of Professor Tolani Asuni “Memoirs Of A Good Bad Boy”

Apr 28, 2009 - I am happy to felicitate with Professor Tolani Asuni, members of his family, friends and associates on the occasion of the public presentation of his autobiography, “Memoirs of a Good Bad Boy”. Professor Tolani Asuni belongs to the first generation of trained psychiatrists in Nigeria and as an academic and socialite; he leaves a remarkable impression on people who have been privileged to be associated with him in one way or the another, and at one point or the other in his journey so far.

Relying on a particular aphorism that states “Don’t tell me how hard you work. Tell me how much you get done”, I wish to submit that this, aptly describes Professor Tolani Asuni. He is a qualified “Lagos Boy” and belonged to the category of young Lagosians who mixed social activities with academic brilliance in their time. Professor Asuni has contributed immensely to the development of the health sector, not only in Nigeria but also all over the world. He worked with late Professor Adeoye Lambo to develop the Aro Psychiatric Hospital to international standards before joining the academic community in the University of Ibadan to groom younger generations of Nigerians in the field of Psychiatry.

I am sure that every person who has the opportunity of reading a copy of the autobiography, “Memoirs of a Good Bad Boy”, will appreciate the rich humour which is characteristic of Professor Asuni and the insight of how his environmental and social circumstances have contributed in his psycho-social worldview and development as a reputable psychiatrist and a jolly good fellow among his friends and associates.

The contributions of Professor Tolani Asuni to mental health development in Nigeria have inspired many medical professionals and younger students to engage in further research in mental health management. And by deliberate policy, it is also instructive to note that our administration in Lagos State places a high premium on health policies and programmes, especially with the high level of stress occasioned by contemporary socioeconomic challenges and its implications on social development.

We have carried out various health campaigns to sensitize the public on hypertension and diabetes, stress related disorders and other health issues that impact negatively on society, especially on adults from 18 years and above. The provision of qualitative infrastructure, medical equipment and personnel for the sustenance of the health profile of the over 18 million population of the Lagos State Mega City is a high priority programme in our administration and we shall remain committed to achieve our mandate of serving the people to ensure a Brighter Rewarding Future.

I want to use this opportunity to urge everyone present in this hall, today, to ensure that you read a copy of this book and you will be better for it, because like every medical personnel will tell you “Laughter is the best medicine”. We should learn from Professor Tolani Asuni, methods on how to put stress behind us and make the best out of every bad situation.

Once again, I congratulate Professor Tolani Asuni on the public presentation of his autobiography and I assure you that I have enjoyed reading the book, as well as, sharing in your life experiences albeit on the pages of your illustrative book.

I thank you all for listening and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Executive Governor,
Lagos State