[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF DOCTOR OFEM AJAH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Doctor Ofem Ajah for his 
dedication to the field of medicine and health education.
  Doctor Ajah, born in Nigeria, was faced with many obstacles 
throughout his education. Born to peasant farmers, Ofem was required to 
help on the farm while he attended school. His family was further 
impoverished and his education interrupted when war broke out in 
Nigeria. He continued with his secondary education on an academic 
scholarship. His academic excellence propelled him to the University of 
Ilorin in Nigeria for both his undergraduate and medical degrees.
  Ofem is and always has been involved in community affairs. In high 
school, he was editor-in-chief of the school magazine. His involvement 
continued into medical school where he served as Secretary of the 
Medical Students Union as well as Chief Organizer of the Nigerian 
Medical Students' Games. After completing his medical degree, Ofem 
taught mathematics in a high school in Nigeria.
  It was only after Ofem finished his medical internship that Ofem 
immigrated to the United States. As a distinguished physician, Ofem 
continued his medical training at the Interfaith Medical Center in 
Brooklyn where he became Chief Resident. Pursuing his inner quest for 
knowledge, Ofem obtained a specialty in gastroenterology.
  For Ofem Ajah, being an accomplished doctor has enabled him to give 
of his free time. Dr. Ajah regularly donates his time and energy to 
educating everyone about colon cancer. He is also currently working on 
his second novel.
  Ofem devotes himself to the love of his life, Francine Smalls-Ajah. 
Together, they have one daughter, Achayen, and two sons, Anijah and 
Tuniche.
  Mr. Speaker, Doctor Ofem Ajah has devoted his life to serving his 
community through his excellent knowledge of medicine. As such, he is 
more than worthy of receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of 
my colleagues will join me in honoring this truly remarkable man.

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