By De-Patriot
No fewer than 430 residents of Zide and Madagbayo communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State have benefited from the fifth edition of the Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation’s free medical outreach, held during the Easter celebration.
The two-day outreach, which took place from April 4 to April 5, 2026, featured a team of over 35 medical personnel who provided a wide range of healthcare services. These included blood sugar tests, HIV screening, Hepatitis B and C tests, blood pressure checks, weight assessment, eye examinations, optical dispensing, and general medical consultations.
Beneficiaries also received appropriate medications, while cases requiring advanced care were referred to the General Hospital in Iguobazuwa the administrative headquarters of Ovia South-West Local Government Area and other medical facilities for further treatment.
Speaking during the outreach in Zide community, the Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Goodluck Ilajufi Ebelo, explained that the initiative was designed to bring free healthcare services to underserved rural communities, particularly during festive periods.
“We do not have hospitals or functional healthcare centres in this area. So, we decided that during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter, we could bring volunteer doctors and medical practitioners to the communities to address pressing health challenges,” he said.
“This initiative has been running for the past three years, and this is the fifth edition,” he added.
Ebelo further disclosed that the Foundation plans to refurbish, furnish, and equip abandoned government health facilities in the area, as well as engage qualified personnel to ensure their effective operation.
On her part, the Project Director of the Foundation, Dr. Hannah Ojo, noted that the outreach was inspired by the need to reduce preventable deaths in rural communities.
“This initiative was birthed out of the reality that many people lose their lives to preventable causes. With access to proper medical care, many of these deaths could have been avoided,” she said.
“Although health centres exist in these communities, they are not functioning optimally. Our goal is to help reduce mortality by providing essential healthcare services and referring critical cases for further treatment.”
Also speaking, the Foundation’s implementing partner, Dr. Ugonna Nwigwe, Founder of Through The Eye Place, Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the outreach.
“We have followed up on beneficiaries from our previous outreach in Gbelebu community, and the feedback has been very encouraging. One beneficiary shared how the eyeglasses provided have significantly improved their quality of life. It is truly fulfilling to make a difference in these communities,” she said.
Team Lead in Zide community, Dr. Oyintare Abraham, highlighted the low level of health awareness among residents, noting the high prevalence of hypertension even among younger individuals.
“Many people are unaware of their health conditions, and in some cases, the situation is already severe. There is a need for increased government attention to rural healthcare,” he stated.
Similarly, the Team Lead in Madagbayo community, Dr. Shalom Azenabor, observed a high prevalence of infectious diseases, alongside cases of hypertension.
“If local health centres are equipped to carry out basic tests, it will significantly improve healthcare delivery. We also noticed symptoms that may be linked to Lassa fever, which requires proper investigation by relevant authorities,” he added.
Community members expressed deep appreciation for the initiative. Chairman of Zide community, Zachariah Lala, described the outreach as unprecedented.
“We have never experienced this kind of free medical service, even from the government,” he said, noting that the Foundation had previously rehabilitated a dilapidated school in the community and employed four teachers to support education.
Also, a beneficiary, Gabriel Aigbekumo, commended the initiative and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such impactful efforts.
“These are services that should ordinarily be provided by the government, yet an individual is making a remarkable difference,” he said.
In the same vein, Youth Chairman of Madagbayo community, Benjamin Olowu, expressed gratitude, noting that unlike other medical outreaches, the services were entirely free.
“I received medical care and medication without paying anything. May God bless the Foundation for this great initiative,” he said.
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