Celebrating a Distinguished Physician, Philanthropist, Mentor and Community Builder
As Dr Ben Iyiola Oyefara, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, FAAAAI, marks another birthday, Igbomina Today joins his family, friends, professional colleagues and the people of Igbominaland in celebrating a remarkable son of Ila-Orangun whose life represents excellence, service, generosity and commitment to humanity.
Dr Oyefara is a man of many accomplishments—a distinguished physician and professor of Allergy and Immunology, philanthropist, mentor, educational supporter, leader and community development advocate. Yet, beyond his impressive professional credentials, he is widely admired for his humility, generosity and genuine concern for the well-being and advancement of others.
Investing in the Future
One of Dr Oyefara’s most enduring contributions to his community is his investment in education.
In 2016, he established the Dr Iyiola Oyefara e-Library in Ila-Orangun, followed in 2019 by the establishment of the Dr Iyiola Oyefara Computer Laboratory in Oke-Ila Orangun. The facilities were established particularly to support secondary school students and candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME/JAMB).
More than 6,000 students and examination candidates have reportedly benefited from these educational initiatives—an impressive demonstration of his belief that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for transforming individuals and communities.
A Distinguished Medical Career
Dr Oyefara is the President and Medical Director of the Asthma & Allergy Center in Monroe, Louisiana, USA. He is also an Assistant Professor of Paediatrics and Consultant Physician in Allergy and Immunology at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Allergy and Immunology at William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
A native of Ila-Orangun, from Ile Ejemu, Iperin Street, Dr Oyefara began his education at St Matthew’s Primary School, Ila-Orangun, where he studied from 1959 to 1964. He subsequently attended Ila Grammar School from 1967 to 1971, where he distinguished himself as Head Prefect in 1971.
Between January and August 1972, he taught French and Physics at Oyan Grammar School, Oyan, Osun State, before gaining admission in September 1972 to the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to study Medicine.
He obtained a B.Sc. in Health Sciences in 1976 and his MB.Ch.B degree in 1979. His outstanding academic performance earned him the Faculty of Health Sciences Foundation Dean’s Medal for the best performance in the Bachelor’s degree examination.
From Nigeria to the United States
Following his medical training, Dr Oyefara served as a House Officer at Adeoyo State Hospital between 1979 and 1980. He subsequently completed his National Youth Service Corps assignment as a doctor at Ahoada General Hospital, Rivers State, from 1980 to 1981.
Between 1981 and 1986, he worked as a Medical Officer in various hospitals across Rivers State. In 1986, he was appointed Secretary to the Hospital Disciplinary Committee by the then Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Fidelis Oyakhilome.
Later that year, Dr Oyefara immigrated to the United States, where he embarked on an impressive journey of postgraduate medical education and professional excellence.
Between 1987 and 1990, he undertook his Paediatrics residency at Howard University Hospital and District of Columbia General Hospital in Washington, DC. During his training, he received several distinctions, including the Intern of the Year Award in 1988, Chairman’s Award in 1989, and Outstanding Resident Award in 1990.
He also received the prestigious William Alonzo Warfield Award for the best overall performance among residents graduating from different departments at Howard University Hospital in 1990. He became certified by the American Board of Paediatrics that same year.
Excellence in Allergy and Immunology
Dr Oyefara subsequently undertook a clinical fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 1992.
During his fellowship, he received the Allergy Fellowship Training Award from Allen & Hanburys to support his clinical research. In 1992, he received a grant from tĺ (NIH for a two-year research fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He was certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology in 1993.
From 1994 to 1998, he served as Assistant Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Consultant Allergist/Immunologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
His scholarly excellence during this period earned him several recognitions, including the o at the University of Pennsylvania, the Molecular Approach to Pediatric Science Scholar recognition from the NIH, and the Physician Scientist Award from the NIH.
A Trailblazer in Louisiana
Dr Oyefara relocated to Louisiana in 1999 and has since established himself as a respected physician, academic and professional leader.
He was elected President of the Louisiana State Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology for the 2009–2010 term, becoming the first Black physician elected to that position since the Society was founded in 1974. He subsequently served on its Executive Board for five years and remains an active member.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the American Academy of Paediatrics.
He is also affiliated with the Joint Council on Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American Medical Association, the Louisiana State Medical Society and the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA).
With numerous scientific publications in reputable professional journals to his credit, Dr Oyefara has contributed meaningfully to the advancement of medical knowledge, particularly in the field of Allergy and Immunology.
A Life of Service
Beyond medicine, Dr Oyefara’s story is also one of service to humanity. His educational interventions in Ila-Orangun and Oke-Ila Orangun demonstrate his enduring commitment to empowering the younger generation and helping students gain access to knowledge and technology.
His life journey—from the classrooms of Ila-Orangun to the leading medical institutions of the United States—is a testament to the possibilities that education, discipline, hard work and service can create.
Dr Oyefara is married to Mrs Tayewo Oyefara , nee Akinwumi, from Ile Balogun, Ila-Orangun. Their marriage is blessed with godly children and grandchildren.
As he celebrates his birthday, Igbomina Today celebrates not only a distinguished medical professional but also a proud son of Igbominaland, an educational philanthropist, mentor and community-minded achiever whose contributions continue to touch lives.
Happy Birthday, Daddy, Dr Ben Iyiola Oyefara!
May your new year be filled with renewed strength, good health, greater accomplishments and many more years of impactful service to humanity.
— Apostle Omotayo Babalola writes from Ila-Orangun. He is the Publisher of Igbomina Today Magazine
