By Biola Akinyemi Foundation |
More than 400 residents from Atikori, Ojowo, Omen, Osun and Oke Agbo in Ijebu North received free medical care during a two-day outreach organised by the Biola Akinyemi Foundation on August 28 and 29, 2026, as the Foundation begins a broader push towards more continuous community healthcare.
The programme, held at the Local Government Hall in Ijebu-Igbo, was the Foundation’s third medical outreach. It brought doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, eye-care professionals and volunteers together to provide medical screening, consultations, health education, medication and eye-care support.
Unlike previous outreaches held in Idokan, the latest programme was moved to a central location to make healthcare services more accessible to residents across the wider Ijebu-Igbo area.
The outreach was preceded on August 27 by a meeting with representatives of the Obas of the five communities, supported by Ijebu North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Omobolaji Oluwaseun Odunsanya. The meeting provided an opportunity for community representatives and medical professionals to discuss healthcare needs, the focus of the outreach and how residents could support its delivery. A community-focused committee was also formed to help maintain engagement and provide updates on emerging healthcare priorities.
The demand for the service became evident from the first day. Dr. Osho Olarewaju, speaking on behalf of the medical team, said approximately 142 people attended on day one, while more than 250 people were attended to on day two. “People were ready to completely leave everything they had to make sure they see the doctors. That’s the urgency,” he said.
Medical personnel identified cases of markedly elevated blood pressure, including readings around 220/110, which resulted in emergency referrals. Eye conditions, including cataracts, were also identified, alongside other cases requiring follow-up after screening.
The programme also involved an emergency response when an attendee experienced an epileptic episode. Immediate assistance was provided, followed by approximately three months of medication support from the Foundation for the family. The Foundation further reported that approximately 75 per cent of attendees required medication for existing or long-term health conditions, with medicines provided during the programme.
For participants, the outreach provided both medical attention and relief from costs that could otherwise have been difficult to meet. Adeleye Akin, who learnt about the programme through his wife, received eyeglasses for an eye concern. He expressed appreciation for the service and noted that similar glasses could have cost about ₦40,000.
Another participant, Mr Dayo Adele, praised the medical team and volunteers for their patience, organisation and cordial treatment, while encouraging the Foundation to continue returning to the community to understand changing needs and receive feedback.
Miss Odedeyi Oluwakemi, team lead of the medical outreach, said the Foundation’s approach was centred on prevention and early action. “People need to understand that prevention is better than cure,” she said.
She explained that the Foundation’s healthcare focus includes preventive screening, early detection and management of health conditions, access to essential medicines, support for people living with chronic conditions and improved maternal healthcare, including better access to prenatal care.
According to the Foundation, the longer-term objective is to reduce reliance on annual outreaches by creating a more continuous model of community healthcare. The Foundation already has a centre on Idokan Street in Ojo community and plans to establish three to five medical centres across Ijebu over a five-year period. It also plans to move towards more frequent community-based consultations and explore the rehabilitation of selected primary healthcare facilities.
The outreach received support from founder Biola Akinyemi, N28 Consulting Limited and Abeke’s Garri, alongside healthcare professionals, volunteers and community leaders.
The Foundation’s experience reinforced the importance of collaboration among communities, businesses, healthcare professionals, philanthropists and other partners in building sustainable healthcare access. Its next medical consultations are scheduled for September 12 and 26, 2026.
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