At least 500 residents of Oshodi, Lagos, received free medical services over the weekend during the annual outreach organised by the Calvary Zonal Headquarters, Province 89, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The event, held on Saturday in collaboration with the Chike Okoli Foundation and Emzor Pharmaceuticals, provided attendees with vital health checks including eye examinations, blood pressure and sugar level screenings.
Pastor-In-Charge of the Zone, Jeffrey Aganbi, described the initiative as part of the church’s commitment to community development. He noted that the outreach aims to ease the burden of accessing quality healthcare amid rising economic challenges.
“We know the government cannot do everything. As Christians, we must be our neighbour’s keeper. The RCCG encourages us to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility,” Aganbi stated. He also urged the government to increase funding and staffing in the health sector to strengthen service delivery, particularly in primary care.
Programme Coordinator of the Chike Okoli Foundation, Obiageli Adimachukwu, praised the collaboration and encouraged Nigerians to prioritise routine medical checkups. “Many people avoid primary healthcare centres due to lack of medication. Government support is vital to improve these centres,” she said.
Volunteer medical practitioner, Rhoda Aluya, advised residents against self-medication, citing cost-of-living pressures as a major reason people avoid proper treatment. “We preach prevention and early detection. Healthy living is key to avoiding serious illness,” she said.
Community leader and Abayomi Community Development Association chairman, Adeboye Oludayo, lauded the RCCG for the sustained outreach. “This programme has resolved many health issues. Beneficiaries appreciate the support, especially the free drugs provided,” he remarked.
Another beneficiary, Yemi Kushimo, said the intervention came just in time. “I had a health issue I couldn’t afford to treat. This outreach provided what I needed,” he said.
PUNCH Metro gathered that over 10,000 residents have benefited from the initiative since it began 11 years ago, irrespective of religion, tribe, or age.
