400 Lagos residents benefit from free medical outreach

No fewer than 400 residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Afaha-Akpan Foundation in collaboration with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Olayemi Youth Church, and Ultimate Eye Care.

The outreach, tagged “Body, Soul and Spirit,” provided free health screening, eye examinations, medications, prescription glasses, as well as counselling and prayers for residents.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the foundation, Mrs Taira Afaha-Akpan, said the initiative, planned to mark Workers’ Day, was aimed at improving the well-being of community members.

“The purpose of this programme is to put something together for the community. It is a public holiday, and we felt the need to give back by providing free services,” she said.

She explained that the programme was designed to address not only physical health but also emotional and spiritual needs.

“In the word of God, it says that we should prosper and be in good health, even as our souls prosper.

“So we are providing free eye screening, medications, and also counselling and prayers for people who may be going through emotional challenges,” she added.

Afaha-Akpan noted that the outreach helped to reduce the burden on residents who could not afford proper healthcare.

“There are people who are unwell but resort to self-medication because they cannot afford to see a doctor. Some cannot even see properly but continue to strain their eyes. This programme helps to alleviate that suffering,” she said.

She added that while the foundation provided basic medical services, cases requiring advanced treatment would be referred to appropriate facilities.

“For more serious eye conditions like cataracts, beneficiaries will be referred to the main Ultimate Eye Care clinic in Ikeja or government hospitals for further treatment,” she said.

According to her, all services rendered at the outreach were completely free.

“Everything here today, from eye checks to medications and prescription glasses, is absolutely free. No one is paying anything,” she said.

Afaha-Akpan also urged residents to prioritise their health.

“Health is wealth. Please take care of your health and follow medical advice. Don’t think you are invincible,” she said.

She noted that the outreach also commemorated the third anniversary of the death of the foundation’s founder, Capt Afaha Akpan.

“If care, love, and attention could have saved him, he would still be alive today. That is why we are encouraging people to take their health seriously,” she said.

Also speaking, the Pastor in charge of MFM Olayemi Youth Church, Disu Oluwasegun, emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering community impact.

“To achieve meaningful results, it is important to work with like-minded people. That is why we partnered with the foundation and the medical team to reach out to the community,” he said.

He added that the initiative would bring relief to many residents.

“Some people have health issues but lack the financial capacity to seek medical care. This programme has made it possible for them to access treatment free of charge,” he said.

The Chief Financial Officer of the foundation, Mr Ini Afaha-Akpan, said the outreach was part of efforts to sustain the philanthropic legacy of the late founder.

“He was a great philanthropist, and we are committed to continuing his legacy and taking it to the next level,” he said.

He called on well-meaning Nigerians to support similar initiatives.

“I encourage Nigerians to give back to their communities. One person at a time, one community at a time, we can make a difference,” he said.

He added that beneficiaries only needed to register to access the services.

“The programme is completely free. Once you register, you go through counselling, medical checks, and see the specialists. You will be attended to accordingly,” he said.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisers, noting that the outreach had provided much-needed relief amid rising healthcare costs.