Over 5,000 residents of Akure, Ondo State, benefited from a free medical outreach program organized by the Otunba Yomi Akingbade Foundation, a non-governmental organization. The event provided medical services and free check-ups to individuals suffering from various ailments.
Otunba Yomi Akingbade, the foundation’s convener, emphasized that the initiative was their way of giving back to society, primarily targeting Akure residents. He noted that the project cost over N50 million.
Akingbade highlighted the importance of health awareness, stating, “Health is wealth, no matter how wealthy you are, if you are not healthy, it’s not good. Many people don’t know what’s in their body system… I don’t want that to happen, that’s why we chose to do this.”
He also expressed concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, urging the government to improve it.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, praised the foundation’s efforts and called on the federal government to address medical practitioners’ demands. This, he believes, would reduce the “Japa” syndrome, encouraging doctors to stay in Nigeria instead of seeking better opportunities abroad.
Oba Omole Oluwafemi, representing the monarch, added, “In Nigeria, medical practitioners are working, but the government needs to meet their demands. Going on strike always is not good… If they are paid very well, I believe they will stay home and do what is necessary.” This echoes concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has faced challenges, including strikes by medical professionals.
