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By Sola Rotimi
Access to quality and affordable healthcare remains a major challenge for many rural communities in Nigeria. However, a recent intervention by the Offa Descendants Union North America (ODUNA) has helped bridge this gap, as the diaspora-led organization begins a five-day free medical outreach in Offa, Kwara State.
Residents of Offa, alongside people from Ijagbo, Ajase-Ipo, Ira and Omupo, trooped out in large numbers to benefit from the initiative, which provided comprehensive medical services at no cost. One beneficiary, speaking on behalf of many others, expressed appreciation for the gesture:
“I just want to appreciate them for scooping time out of no time, finance and energy that they have dissipated at ensuring the success story.”
The programme was officially flagged off by the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, who commended ODUNA for its consistent interventions that have “made life easier for the people” through improved access to diagnosis, treatment and medication.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Alhaji Suleiman Olatunji, described healthcare delivery as a more impactful form of support for the underprivileged than direct financial assistance.
“If you are not healthy, and you are given hundreds of thousands of dollars, how would you spend it?” he asked.
The medical mission was led by Dr Abdulkadir Adegboyega, Medical Director of General Hospital, Offa, who ensured that all patients received appropriate care. Services provided ranged from routine consultations and drug administration to more complex surgical procedures.
Members with the Oloffa of Offa
Despite the success recorded, ODUNA identified funding and logistics as major challenges to sustaining the initiative. The President of ODUNA, Alhaji Abdulmajeed Lawal, explained that although the mission benefits from a strong network of international medical professionals, limited resources affect the quantity and duration of medications provided.
A patron of the union, Dr Mariam Yasin, appealed to members of the local community and business owners to support visiting diaspora volunteers by reducing the cost of goods and services.
“Instead of them increasing the price of their products, they should reduce it to 50 percent. Even hotels can give them free accommodation,” she suggested.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and increasing the frequency of the medical missions, with the goal of ensuring sustainable and accessible healthcare delivery for the people of Offa and its environs.
