The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has initiated a free medical outreach program for residents of Agboyi Ori Omi, a remote riverine community located in the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The healthcare initiative, conducted on Monday, was organized in collaboration with Lagos State Health District II and the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps, delivering essential medical services to residents with constrained access to healthcare facilities.
The medical outreach in Agboyi Ori Omi forms part of a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by Gbajabiamila aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility in underserved and difficult-to-reach communities throughout Lagos State.
Services provided during the outreach included oral health examinations and treatment, blood pressure monitoring, tuberculosis screening, eye examinations with free eyeglasses distribution, complimentary blood glucose testing, HIV testing with counseling, treatment of minor medical conditions, and free medication dispensation.
Gbajabiamila, represented by Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, emphasized that healthcare remains a priority for all citizens, particularly those in grassroots communities.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has placed significant emphasis on health matters nationwide.
Encouraging island residents to capitalize on the initiative, which is being implemented across three different Lagos communities on separate dates, Gbajabiamila urged participants to prioritize their health needs.
“The tests are done here, and we are here for on-the-spot treatment when a diagnosis is being made. I think it’s very laudable, and it’s in partnership with the Lagos State Government. We want people to take advantage of this opportunity,” Gbajabiamila stated.
He assured that the government would maintain its commitment to continuously improving healthcare standards and quality throughout the nation.
Speaking at the event, Lawal, Special Adviser on Budget and Finance to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, commended Gbajabiamila for his dedication to expanding healthcare access across Nigeria.
Lawal observed that Gbajabiamila has consistently demonstrated concern for ordinary citizens and has impacted lives through healthcare, education, and empowerment programs.
“Bringing healthcare to one of the most forgotten communities in Lagos is commendable. Without improvement in healthcare, household income and education will suffer. So anytime, any day, we are winning with qualitative healthcare,” Lawal remarked.
He added: “Today, in their thousands, the Agboyi communities have enjoyed medical outreach. Tomorrow, we will be at Primary Health Centre, Masksra Ketu, and for Wednesday and Thursday, we will be at Ikorodu for two days. So, we are sending the message of renewed hope to all nooks and crannies of Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria.”
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District 2, Dr. Dayo Lajide, commended Gbajabiamila’s gesture, noting: “This island is a bit hard to reach, and our people really do need these services.”
Lajide disclosed that Gbajabiamila and partner organizations provided free obstetrics and gynecology care, dental and eye services, along with blood screening including complimentary blood sugar and blood pressure tests, among other medical interventions.
“Other complaints are attended to. It is a big deal for us because we have over 41,000 people living on this island,” she explained.
She revealed that the state government is actively working to upgrade the Primary Healthcare Centre located on the island, and that the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps and Lagos State government deployed health specialists to attend to residents.
The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mrs. Adetola Abubakar, praised Tinubu for providing leadership focused on ordinary Nigerians.
Characterizing Gbajabiamila’s health intervention as both special and timely, Abubakar expressed gratitude for the impact on community lives.
“Every aspect of our national life is being taken care of. The Chief of Staff, like the President, has the welfare of the citizens at heart, bringing this very important health care project to us,” Abubakar stated.
She also acknowledged the management of Lagos State Health District 2 for facilitating comprehensive and quality health services, particularly at the grassroots level.
Abubakar extended appreciation to the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps, an international non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life through medical services and health education.
“This NGO believes that medical services should transcend national borders and exceed the limitations of race, politics, and religion. We love your philosophy and indeed share in your vision of a united international community to bring about equitable access to health care for our global population,” she said.
“This unique medical outreach is put together to help solve the health challenges of many Nigerians, and to God be the glory, the train is stopping by at Agboyi Ketu to bring this special initiative our way,” the LCDA chairman concluded.
