- Thousands of indigenes and residents suffering from diabetes, hypertension, cataracts and other life-threatening health issues have benefited from a week-long free medical intervention in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State
By Adekunle Yusuf, Associate Editor
In a nation where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes and cancer are on the rise, the lack of access to adequate healthcare services has become a grave issue. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs account for nearly 29 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria, claiming more than 200,000 lives annually. Among the most troubling statistics is the 32 per cent of adults affected by hypertension, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, putting over 64 million Nigerians at risk. Yet, despite these alarming numbers, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of their condition, and many lack access to the treatment that could save their lives.
It is against this backdrop of chronic diseases and healthcare disparity that a recent health outreach in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, stands out as a beacon of hope. Thousands of indigenes and residents of the town, many of whom suffer from hypertension, diabetes, cataracts and other life-threatening health conditions, benefitted from a week-long medical intervention organised by the Association of Ijebu Igbo Descendants (AIID) of North America. The programme, which brought together North American medical experts of Ijebu Igbo descent and local healthcare workers, was a remarkable display of solidarity and generosity. For many residents, it was their first opportunity to receive life-saving medical care.
The programme, which began on October 28, was formally launched at the Ijebu Igbo Town Hall, with former Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka in attendance. Kaka, a respected community leader and former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, commended the efforts of the AIID and its leadership, including President Dr. Thomas Olaide Osinowo, for their vision and commitment to the well-being of the Ijebu Igbo people. What made this outreach particularly remarkable was the dedication of the medical team, who funded their own travel, accommodation, and logistics to come from North America and provide free consultations, treatment, and surgeries.
Speaking about the motivation behind organising the medical outreach, Dr. Osinowo, President of the Association of Ijebu Igbo Descendants (AIID) in North America, emphasised the impact of Nigeria’s economic hardships on low-income earners, as well as the country’s ongoing struggle with stagflation. He pointed out that these factors were among the primary reasons the association, which includes members from the United States and Canada, decided to undertake this important initiative in their hometown of Ijebu Igbo. He explained the fundamental importance of health, stating, “Health is wealth. For anyone to survive the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria, they must have good health.”
In recognition of this basic truth, the AIID organised the outreach to provide essential medical services to those in need. The mission included free medical check-ups, minor surgeries, eye tests, medications, eye glasses, and diabetes screenings, among other services. “We believe that only those who are healthy can work, earn an income and contribute to society through taxes,” Dr. Osinowo explained. “It was with this in mind that we chose to help those who are unable to afford the cost of medical check-ups, surgeries, or medications.”
The programme offered various medical services, including free hernia and cataract surgeries, treatment for diabetes and hypertension, provision of free medications, and donations of eye glasses. “This is the first time we have carried out such an outreach,” Dr. Osinowo continued. “We have been planning this initiative for almost two years, and we’re glad to have finally taken bold steps to make it a reality this year.”
The outreach was fully sponsored by the AIID North America, with additional fundraising support from friends and family members. The association also partnered with the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Ijebu Igbo Annex and the Rotary Club of Ijebu Igbo Metro, as well as the Nigeria Association of Nurses and Anaesthetists. Dr. Osinowo, a medical doctor with 37 years of experience practising in Europe and the United States. The medical outreach programme took place simultaneously across three key locations in Ijebu Igbo: the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Ijebu Igbo Annex in Obada, the General Hospital in Oke Ope, and the Catholic Hospital in Oke Agbo—all within Ijebu Igbo town.
To ensure widespread awareness and encourage local participation, the Association of Ijebu Igbo Descendants (AIID) in North America sought the support of the town’s traditional ruler, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, HRM Oba Lawrence Jayeoba Adebajo, and other regional monarchs under his leadership. Their involvement helped rally the community and mobilise people to attend the outreach. According to Dr. Osinowo, several jingles were aired to promote the event, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a high turnout. During a courtesy visit to the Orimolusi’s palace, the leadership of the AIID and top medical personnel received warm praise from the monarch. Oba Adebajo shared a poignant story about a man he had heard of, who was gravely ill and in urgent need of surgery but could not afford the costs. Despite the patient’s desperate pleas, the doctor could not provide financial assistance, and sadly, the man passed away. The Orimolusi expressed his admiration for the AIID’s medical outreach, noting that it would prevent such tragedies by providing life-saving care to many who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
He praised Dr. Osinowo and the AIID for their initiative, describing it as a ground-breaking effort in the community. “What they are doing is commendable,” Oba Adebajo said. “This is the first time something like this has been done, and it’s a noble cause.” The Orimolusi offered his royal blessings to the AIID team, encouraging them to continue their efforts. He also called on other Ijebu Igbo indigenes, both within Nigeria and abroad, to support the programme and join in the mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.
Rotarian Sotunde Abimbola Solu, an eye specialist who led a team of medical professionals at the General Hospital, shared an update on the eye care aspect of the outreach. According to Dr. Solu, many patients were treated for cataracts, pterygium and other common eye conditions. For those whose conditions required surgery, the team performed necessary procedures, while others were provided with medications and advice on how to manage their eye health. Dr. Solu also noted that individuals who required prescription eyeglasses were asked to return on Friday for the distribution of the glasses. This was done to ensure an organised and efficient process, allowing the team to accurately determine the number of people who needed glasses.
Rotarian Solu shared that he was participating in the outreach in two capacities: as a member of the Rotary Club, which is collaborating with the AIID to support the community, and as an eye specialist. He explained that since the outreach began, the most common eye condition patients have been seeking treatment for at the General Hospital is cataracts, a chronic issue that many in the community are suffering from. Several medical professionals involved in the outreach also spoke with our correspondent about their experiences. They reported that the turnout has been highly encouraging, with many community members seeking care and benefiting from the free medical services provided. At the Catholic Hospital, Mr. Iyiola Odekunle, a medical laboratory scientist, shared that although the turnout was large, the team was able to manage the influx of patients effectively through careful organisation. “We’re accustomed to handling large crowds, so we were able to attend to everyone and meet their medical needs efficiently,” he explained.
At the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Ijebu Igbo Annex, the most common health issue reported by patients was high blood pressure. Mr. Odekunle attributed this condition to the widespread stress caused by the country’s economic challenges, including concerns over hyperinflation and the rising cost of living. Miss Oluwatoyin Oshunkoya, another medical laboratory scientist at the outreach, expressed concern over a troubling trend she had noticed—many women were complaining of difficulty sleeping at night. While she couldn’t pinpoint a specific medical cause for their insomnia, she noted that the underlying stress of daily life was likely contributing to the problem.
“The constant worry about how to provide for their families—whether it’s what the children will eat or take to school the next day, or the rising cost of transportation due to fuel price hikes—has created immense stress, particularly for those with low incomes,” she said. Miss Oshunkoya advised the women to not let these worries disrupt their sleep, as chronic sleep deprivation could worsen their health, particularly by contributing to high blood pressure.
Testimonies from beneficiaries of the outreach
Rt. Rev. Sam Bamgbose, a priest who participated in the medical outreach and sought treatment for an ear problem he believed might be related to aging, expressed his deep appreciation for the initiative. He commended the organisers for their selfless efforts, saying, “I commend the organisers and pray that God will continue to bless them for giving back to society from what they have acquired in life.” He also praised the medical personnel for their professionalism and the quality of care they provided to the patients.
A 24-year-old patient, Mr. Abiodun Olatunbosun, who was diagnosed with cataracts, shared his gratitude for the outreach. He explained that he had visited the Ago Iwoye General Hospital two months earlier but was unable to afford the surgery he needed. Upon hearing about the free medical outreach, he quickly made his way to Ijebu Igbo to take advantage of the opportunity. “I’m very grateful to the organisers, and I pray that God will continue to help them as they’ve helped me,” Mr. Olatunbosun said.
Mrs. Ronke Adebayo, who visited the Catholic Hospital for a routine check-up, shared her surprise at being diagnosed with hypertension for the first time. “I never knew I was suffering from hypertension until today, when I was diagnosed. I was told to avoid eating too much salt,” she explained. She added that she was prescribed medication and advised to make dietary changes, including eating more vegetables. “I’m thankful for the care I received and for the advice on how to better manage my health,” she said.
Mr. Tajudeen Alase, a diabetic patient, was also diagnosed with high blood pressure during the outreach. He explained that he hadn’t realised he was dealing with hypertension until today. “I’ve been experiencing frequent urination, and that’s what brought me here,” he said. “I’m glad to have been diagnosed, given medication, and provided with advice on how to manage both my diabetes and blood pressure. I’m very grateful for the free medical treatment I received.”
Mr. Badmus Rasaq, an octogenarian who recently underwent cataract surgery on his right eye, shared his experience with the outreach. He mentioned that he had registered for medical treatment at the General Hospital the week before but was fortunate to hear about the free eye treatment and surgery being offered. “I saw some of the organisers when they came here on Monday, and I learned that they plan to make this a regular event, at least once a year,” Mr. Rasaq said. “It’s my prayer that God will continue to bless them for this good work they are doing.”
