The Galaxy Clique, a community-focused organization in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of its community members. This commitment was underscored during the club’s 5th Annual Colloquium, which coincided with the commissioning of a new Behavioural Center donated by the Clique to the Offa General Hospital. The center represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure and addresses a pressing need for accessible mental health services. The chairman of the Galaxy Clique, Lukman Popoola, emphasized the importance of the new facility, highlighting its role in tackling critical health challenges, including the increasing incidence of kidney disease. He positioned the center as a vital resource for combating this growing health concern and improving overall health outcomes for the community.
The theme of the colloquium, “The Burden of Kidney Disease,” reflects the Galaxy Clique’s proactive approach to addressing critical health issues. Popoola stressed the urgency of tackling kidney disease, citing the devastating impact it has had on families within the community. He linked the choice of topic to the alarming number of lives lost to the disease, underscoring the need for increased awareness and accessible treatment options. The colloquium provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss the growing prevalence of kidney disease and strategize on effective interventions. This demonstrates the Clique’s commitment to not just providing infrastructure but also fostering community-wide dialogue and collaboration on critical health issues.
Beyond the immediate concern of kidney disease, Popoola also drew attention to the escalating problem of drug abuse among the youth, emphasizing its connection to the rise in societal insecurity. He highlighted the role of the annual colloquium in addressing such pressing societal challenges, referencing previous sessions that focused on the menace of drug abuse and its contribution to insecurity. The Clique’s proactive engagement with this issue showcases their understanding of the interconnectedness of health, social well-being, and security within the community. By fostering dialogue and creating awareness, they aim to guide youth towards more productive paths and contribute to a safer, healthier community environment.
Professor Timothy Olanrewaju, a consultant physician and nephrologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, delivered a compelling lecture on the escalating concern of kidney disease in Nigeria. He painted a stark picture of the situation, revealing that chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 12-20% of the Nigerian population. This high prevalence makes it a leading cause of death, particularly among young and productive individuals, due to the limited access to affordable treatment options. Professor Olanrewaju stressed the importance of early detection and treatment as crucial measures for saving lives and mitigating the financial burden on families grappling with this disease. He advocated for a multi-pronged approach to address this growing health crisis, calling for increased public awareness campaigns, early screening programs, and the integration of kidney care into the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, commended the Galaxy Clique for their significant contribution to improving community healthcare. The Governor highlighted the state government’s own initiative, “Project Ten Million,” which aims to screen over 100,000 residents for hypertension and diabetes, two major risk factors for kidney disease. This aligns with the Galaxy Clique’s focus on preventative healthcare and early detection. Dr. El-Imam encouraged residents to prioritize formal medical care over traditional remedies, cautioning against the long-term use of herbal concoctions commonly referred to as ‘agbo’ in Yoruba parlance, citing potential health risks associated with their unregulated use.
The Governor’s representative further urged residents to embrace regular health screenings and take advantage of the affordable health insurance plan available for just N15,000 annually. This emphasis on accessible healthcare underscores the shared commitment between the state government and organizations like the Galaxy Clique to improve the health outcomes of the community. The Governor lauded the self-help ethos of the Offa community, recognizing its leadership in self-development initiatives within the state. He also announced plans to support the Offa General Hospital with solar power installations and renovations, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across the state.
