EKO NEWS

Eko Club International Holds Free Medical Outreach In Isolo

Published

2 years ago

Jul 21, 2022.

Paul Mbagwu

By Chika Egwu

Eko Club International, ECI organised a medical outreach for residents of the Isolo community
The medical outreach organised by the Club was only a preamble to the major medical missions scheduled to take place in October

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a socio-cultural organisation for Lagosians in the diaspora, Eko Club International, ECI, July 13, organised a medical outreach for residents of the Isolo community and its environment in Isolo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State.

The medical intervention which took place at Dr Nurudeen Oluwopopo Memorial Clinic, Isolo had in attendance at least a hundred and sixty beneficiaries from the five divisions of Lagos State: Ikeja, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Badagry and Epe.

According to the Chairperson of the Eko Club International Women Forum, Hon Biliki Shittu, the medical outreach organised by the Club was only a preamble to the major medical missions scheduled to take place in October.

Present to grace the occasion was HRM Oba Kabiru Kolawole Ilufemiloye Adelaja Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo, Lagos, distinguished members of Eko Club International and the beneficiaries.

The outreach which was centred on the delivery of a health talk too off immediately after the personal details and medical reports of the beneficiaries were documented.

The health session which centred on Diabetics, Blood Pressure and mental health were highly informative and interactive.

A health expert, the President of Eko Club International Women Forum Chicago, Dr Lola Alokpa, revealed that the blood pressure rises as one grows older.

According to her, a person’s ideal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg, when above age 55, the blood pressure of 130/90mmHg could be considered.

She said the principal causes of high blood pressure are genetic factors and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Dr Alokpa compared high blood pressure to a “silent killer” which if not properly managed could lead to heart failure, stroke and loss of vision.

She said, “When you have blood pressure you might be unaware which is why it is called a silent killer. And if not properly managed could lead to heart failure, stroke and loss of vision.

“Avoid eating canned and salty food, eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, exercise often at least thirty minutes a day.

“Always ensure to sleep at least 8 hours a day and avoid stress.“

She, however, emphasised that they should exercise self-control by avoiding shouting and getting angry easily.

Afterwards, other members of the medical team each took turns to address issues on mental health and diabetes.

A member of the club, Hon Bisi Lawal, who spoke on the mission of the Club said the club’s aims is to contribute to the health, education and general wellbeing of Lagosians, as well as, see to the growth and development of the state.

According to her, “The purpose of this initiative is to give back to the society in health, education and other areas. We normally do this health outreach quarterly. We reach out to communities, examine their health status and give food items and offer free will donations”.

She disclosed that the Club will reach out to the 5 divisions of Lagos state in October.

Dr Lola Alokpa, who spoke to EKO HOT BLOG said that the essence of the exercise was to document the health record of the patients to ensure proper medical attention.

“Today’s event is a medical outreach; we normally have a medical mission every two years. We noticed that whenever we have this outreach, we don’t follow up to know what’s going on with those patients within those two years. So, we decided we would be having this medical outreach at least every three months and that we educate them on matters related to their health.

“Sometimes, we don’t have the opportunity to do so because of the large number of patients. This time we decided to educate them on mental health, diabetes and blood pressure.

“I would be cheering the medical mission come October 7th to 21st. What we did today is a preamble of what will take place in October.

“We would be coming with medical experts; surgeons, opticians, Otolaryngology, dentist, neurological surgeons, Obstetrician and Gynecologists.”

HRM Oba Kabiru Kolawole Agbabiaka, Oba of Isolo, who was full of gratitude, appreciated the club for the enormous contribution to better the health and general wellbeing of Lagosians in the past few years.

He said, “I am not surprised that they organised another medical outreach because that is exactly what they have been doing for a very long time. They have been giving people free medical attention.

“And ever since the Covid 19, for two years now they have been giving us a lot of relief items including other materials to prevent the pandemic. They not only render medical support to the people but assisted in providing food items and freewill donations to the people.”

He described the club as selfless, responsible, and coordinated.

He, however, prayed to the Almighty God to bless and protect them.

Just after the exercise was rounded off, food items and vitamin supplements were given to the beneficiaries.

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The beneficiaries who spoke with EKO HOT BLOG appreciated ECI for their unwavering support and selfless service.

They prayed for God’s providence and blessings upon them.

One of the beneficiary, Mrs Stella Odukwe said, “I learnt that it is very important to pay attention to our health and be mindful of what we eat. I benefited from this mission both materially, and health-wise.

“I pray that God will grant them their heart desires and I thank them for their immense contribution to society”

See pictures from the event: