Over 430 residents of Zide and Madagbayo communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State have benefitted from the fifth edition of the Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation free medical outreach.
The two-day free medical outreach, held during the Easter celebration, was conducted from April 4 to April 5, 2026, featuring over 35 medical personnel, who conducted various tests.
The tests included blood sugar level, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, blood pressure, weight checks, eye examinations, optical dispensing, and medical consultations.
Appropriate medications were also provided to the beneficiaries, while those with cases requiring further medical attention were given referrals to various hospitals.
They were given referrals to the General Hospital at Iguobazuwa, the administrative headquarters of the Ovia South-West Local Government Area, and other hospitals where they could get the needed medical services.
Speaking at Zide Community during the outreach, the founder of the Foundation, Mr. Goodluck Ilajufi Ebelo, said the initiative was aimed at bringing free medical care to the communities, especially during festive periods.
“We do not have hospitals or healthcare centres in this area. So, we felt that during festivals, especially Christmas and Easter, we could invite volunteer doctors and other medical practitioners to the villages to address various health challenges affecting the people.
“This has been ongoing for the past three years, and this is the fifth of its kind,” he said.
Ebelo also outlined the Foundation’s future plans, noting that it intended to refurbish, furnish, and equip abandoned government health facilities in the area, as well as engage qualified personnel to operate them.
On her part, the Project Director, Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation, Dr. Hannah Ojo, said the initiative was inspired by the need to curb preventable deaths in the communities.
“This initiative was birthed as a result of people losing their lives to preventable causes. If there had been access to proper medical care, many of them would have survived,” she said.
“Although there are health centres in these communities, they are not functioning optimally. We felt we could help reduce the mortality rate by providing essential healthcare services.
“For those requiring surgical attention, we also connect them to hospitals where they can receive treatment.” Dr. Ojo stated
Also speaking, the Foundation’s Implementing Partner, Dr. Ugonna Nwigwe, founder of Through The Eye Place, Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the impact of previous outreaches.
“We have interacted with people we attended to in Gbelebu Community the last time we were here, to assess their health status.
“One beneficiary told me how helpful the eyeglasses we provided have been and expressed hope that we would return. It is very rewarding to put smiles on people’s faces in these communities,” she said.
The Team Lead in Zide Community, Dr. Oyintare Abraham, noted that many residents lacked awareness of certain health conditions.
“From our observations, it is clear that many people in the community are not well informed about some health conditions.
“Hypertension is prevalent, even among young people, yet many are unaware of their condition, and some cases are severe.
“Governments at all levels need to pay greater attention to rural communities,” he said.
Similarly, the Team Lead in Madagbayo Community, Dr. Shalom Azenabor, said infectious diseases were common among residents.
“Generally, infectious diseases are prevalent, along with a number of hypertensive cases. If the local health centre can carry out basic tests, it will greatly benefit the community.
“We also observed some symptoms that could be related to Lassa Fever, although this needs proper investigation by relevant authorities,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Zachariah Lala, Chairman of Zide Community, expressed appreciation to Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation.
“We have never experienced this kind of free medical care, even from the government,” he said.
He added that the Foundation had previously intervened in the community by rehabilitating a dilapidated school and employing four teachers who are currently educating the children.
Another beneficiary, Gabriel Aigbekumo, also commended the initiative and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such efforts.
“Government at all levels should rise to their responsibilities. These are services that should ordinarily be provided by the government, yet a single individual is making a significant impact,” he said.
Benjamin Olowu, Youth Chairman, Madagbayo Community, noted that, unlike other outreaches where residents were charged for services, the current initiative was completely free.
“I have been examined and given medication without paying anything. May God bless those behind this great initiative,” he prayed.
