The Otunba Yomi Akingbade Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), recently organized a significant health outreach program in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, providing free medical services to over 5,000 local residents. This initiative aimed to address various health concerns while offering complimentary medical checkups to those in attendance. The event took place on a Friday and was spearheaded by Otunba Yomi Akingbade, who viewed this outreach as a meaningful way to give back to the community. The foundation invested over N50 million into the project, emphasizing its commitment to improving public health in the area.
During the event, Otunba Yomi Akingbade emphasized the importance of health, stating, “Health is wealth.” He underscored the critical issue of individuals being unaware of their health conditions, leading to sudden health crises and even untimely deaths. Many participants at the outreach may have been living with undiagnosed conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, posing significant risks to their well-being. Akingbade expressed his desire to prevent such tragedies, thus motivating the foundation’s decision to conduct the outreach and raise health awareness among the local populace.
Moreover, Akingbade criticized the current state of Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and improvement. Despite Nigeria’s wealth and substantial population, many citizens still struggle to access adequate healthcare services. He called for better governance to ensure that accessible medical care becomes a reality for all Nigerians, emphasizing that public health investment is vital for a thriving society.
The response to the outreach was favorable, with the traditional ruler of Akure, Deji Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, expressing his appreciation for the foundation’s initiative. Represented by Oba Omole Oluwafemi, the monarch acknowledged the importance of such health-focused events, especially in a time when various diseases impact the community. He commended Akingbade’s efforts and urged the federal government to address the needs of medical practitioners. This, he argued, would help mitigate the “Japa” syndrome—the trend of health professionals leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Oba Aladelusi highlighted that while many healthcare workers are dedicated to their patients, the inconsistency in government support and compensation often leads to strikes and dissatisfaction among medical personnel. He opined that proper remuneration and working conditions would encourage more healthcare workers to remain in Nigeria and contribute positively to the country’s healthcare system. The monarch’s insights reflect broader concerns regarding the retention of skilled professionals critical to addressing the nation’s health challenges.
In closing, the outreach program organized by the Otunba Yomi Akingbade Foundation stands as a pivotal example of community efforts to enhance public health in Nigeria. By providing free medical services to thousands of residents, the foundation not only tackled immediate health issues but also fostered greater awareness of the importance of understanding one’s health status. Additionally, the call for improved government engagement and support for medical professionals underscores a significant issue within the Nigerian healthcare landscape, further amplifying the need for systemic reforms to ensure that all citizens have access to necessary healthcare services.
