Over 300 Benefit from Free Medical Outreach in Ilara

Over 300 residents benefit from free medical outreach in Ilara.
NIMR provided free eye tests, glasses, dental care, and medications.
Outreach part of activities marking Alara of Ilara’s 5th coronation anniversary.

More than 300 residents of Ilara, Epe Division, have benefitted from a free medical outreach organised as part of the 5th coronation anniversary of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the initiative, conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof. John Obafunwa, offered a wide range of services including free eye tests and prescription glasses, dental care, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, malaria testing, cancer screening, health counselling, and medications for various ailments.

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Speaking during the outreach, Prof. Obafunwa explained that the gesture was inspired by the vision of the Alara to ensure the people of Ilara enjoy quality healthcare regardless of their economic status.

“This medical initiative was designed to ensure our people are physically and medically fit. With my background in both education and medicine, I see it as my duty to give back to my community and complement the efforts of our royal father in promoting wellness,” Obafunwa said

The royal father, Oba Ogunsanwo, who personally inspected the medical stations, expressed his appreciation to the NIMR team and urged residents to take their health seriously.

“We cannot have a progressive community without healthy people. My reign has always been about the welfare of my people, and health is at the core of that vision. This will not be a one-off event,” the monarch assured.

For many beneficiaries, the programme was a rare opportunity to access professional healthcare without financial burden. Mrs. Fatimah Agbomeji, a petty trader who received free glasses, said the intervention would help her in her daily work.

“I have been struggling to read prices and count money for years because of poor eyesight. Today, I can see clearly again, and it feels like a new life,” she said with a smile.

Mr. Jamiu Adekoya, who had long suffered from untreated dental pain, could not hide his relief after receiving free treatment.

“I feel much better now. I have been postponing going to the dentist because of the cost, but today they treated me for free. God bless the Alara and the doctors,” he said.

The outreach also included a health education session where residents were taught preventive measures against common illnesses, the importance of regular medical check-ups, and how to maintain good hygiene.

Community leaders hailed the initiative as timely, noting that access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many in rural and semi-urban areas.

The programme formed part of a week-long celebration of the monarch’s 5th coronation anniversary, which also featured youth empowerment programmes, cultural displays, and infrastructural commissioning within the kingdom.