The Association of Compassionate Patriots (AoCP) has described its annual medical outreach programme as a way fostering the spirit of love and giving back to the communities and their inhabitants.

The President of AoCP, and the Danmasani of Ilorin, Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapansapa stated this in his opening remarks to kick-start the fourth edition of the medical outreach which took place at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin today.

According to Alapansapa, AoCP, a nonpolitical, non-tribal and non-religious organization was established in 2017 with the objectives of bringing together people of like minds who are committed to the development and progress of the association.

Foster the spirit of love, affection, understanding, and enduring bond of friendship among members, and engage in philanthropic activities for the betterment of the
Society.

“In essence, the association came into being essentially and primarily to give back to the Society that has contributed immensely to our privileged status today. And we are passionate about leaving behind for the incoming generation an enviable legacy that will remain perpetually indelible in the sands of history,” stated Alapansapa.

Speaking on the outreaches organised by the organisation in three years, the President noted that it was done with humanity in mind.

“As a group, we believe very strongly that our activities and programmes should reflect compassion and empathy to our immediate community and in particular, the poor, the needy and the under-privileged segment of the Society.

“It is therefore against this backdrop that we have continued our social intervention with the two health-based outreach programmes as our modest contribution towards enhancing quality well-being of our people. These are: 1) Free Community Eye Screening and Surgery; and 2) Free Community Hepatitis B Screening, Vaccination and Referral.”

He further highlighted that the association has witnessed remarkable positive impact of interventions on the people during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Medical Outreach Programmes, thereby inspiring the association to to continue on the same trajectory year 2024.

He revealed that the association has carried out, 37 eye surgeries (comprising 34 cataract and 3 glaucoma surgeries) in 2022 through it intervention. In the same token, a total of 162 people were given full dosage of Hepatitis B vaccine to protect them against the infection for the next 10 years while 42 confirmed cases of Hepatitis B infection were issued official referrals to appropriate hospitals for necessary treatment.

He also said, “In 2023, a total of 44 eye surgeries were also carried out comprising 37 critical cases of cataract and seven (7) cases of glaucoma. A total of 311 people were given full dosage of Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccine while 91 beneficiaries who tested positive to the disease were referred to appropriate health institutions for treatment.

“We are delighted with the positive feedback and commendation that we received through the intervention. The response has undoubtedly provided a source of inspiration and encouragement for us to continue in the same spirit this year.”

Explaining further, Alapansapa emphasised that visual impairment has become a major health challenge among the people, adding that many prospective beneficiaries have successfully undergone the FREE EYE SCREENING.

“It is important to state that the choice of these beneficiaries is irrespective of their background or place of origin in the community. At the end of the screening exercise, twenty (20) of them requiring cataract surgery and two (2) requiring glaucoma surgery will be assisted by the association to undergo the procedure. A leading private owned eye centre, Opeyemi Mega Eye Centre, located along Sabo Line, Amilegbe, Ilorin was retained to carry out the exercise.”

The President expressed the association’s gratitude and appreciation to the management of Opeyemi Mega Eye Centre for graciously identifying with the association and supporting it effort and initiative.

He also acknowledge, with thanks, the wonderful gesture of external donors for their immense support and magnanimity in ensuring the huge success is achieved.

Dignitries at the event include His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Emirs & Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, eminent Traditional Chiefs of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Amina El-Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Donors, Guests, medical partners, and beneficiaries.