Ola Orekunrin: the flying doctor

This month's profiling Nigerians brings me to the rise and rise of Ola Orekunrin, THE SUPERHERO  NIGERIAN. Ola Orekunrin is a Nigerian born and raised in London. Ola Orekunrin is a medical doctor, helicopter pilot and entrepreneur. She is the founder of the first air ambulance service in West Africa. Flying Doctors Nigeria has transported more than 500 people in its first three years.

The Superhero Nigerian, Ola Orekunrin

She recalls: “I grew up in a seaside town called Lowestoft in the east of rural England, a completely white community. I went to a primary school run by Catholic nuns and was raised by foster white parents. We didn’t have much money even though it was a working class family and we sometimes struggled to make ends meet. Against all odds, I passed my A-Levels with flying colours, started my degree at the University of York at 15. I supported myself all through, working. I wrote my final medical examinations at 21, thus emerging the youngest medical doctor in England.”

                                                

At 21, Orekunrin had already graduated from the University of York as a qualified doctor. She was then awarded the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship and moved to Japan to conduct research in the field of regenerative medicine.


A pioneering entrepreneur with an eye for opportunity, Orekunrin set up Flying Doctors Nigeria, the first air ambulance service in West Africa, transporting victims of medical emergencies, including industrial workers in Nigeria.

Flying doctors Nigeria is in its third year. The Lagos-based company has so far airlifted about 500 patients, using fleet planes and helicopters from remote areas to hospitals.

"From patients with road traffic trauma, to bomb blast injuries to gunshot wounds, we save lives by moving these patients and providing a high level of care en route," says Orekunrin.


Last month, the World Economic Forum recognized Orekunrin's achievements by naming her amongst its prestigious Young Global Leaders class of 2013, a group it describes as the best of today's leaders under the age of 40.

"It came as a surprise to me actually," she says of the honor. "I'm really flattered and really happy."

But despite the challenges, Orekunrin remains determined to bring about change in Nigeria's healthcare system. "I want to achieve a proper use of the healthcare sector in Nigeria," she says.