Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the wife of Ogun State’s governor, has once again underscored the critical need for societal support towards the less privileged. Speaking at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu on Wednesday, she launched a free surgical outreach aimed at providing medical relief to indigent residents.
The initiative, organized by her office in collaboration with a team of surgeons and medical professionals from the United States, targets ailments such as hernia, fibroids, goitre, and cataracts—conditions often left untreated due to financial constraints. “The take-home message here is that many wealthy people have more than they need, while many others lack basic necessities. What we have in excess could be life-saving for someone else. God didn’t give us wealth for ourselves alone—we must support others,” Mrs. Abiodun emphasized.
She further highlighted the importance of setting an example for younger generations, stating, “It is also important to teach our children by example. When they see us giving back, they learn the culture of generosity. It’s a value we should all embrace for a better society.”
According to reports, 51 surgeries have been successfully completed within the first two days of the outreach, with approximately 175 patients still awaiting treatment.
Dr. Musbau Kasumu, leader of the visiting medical team, praised the collaboration, noting its role in complementing Ogun State’s healthcare efforts. The team also donated a multimillion-naira endoscope machine to OOUTH, a device crucial for early detection of internal abnormalities. “The endoscope helps detect abnormalities from the mouth to the stomach using a video camera. It’s a vital tool in diagnosing internal issues early,” he explained.
Dr. Kasumu urged Nigerians to prioritize their health through regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and routine check-ups.
The Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, lauded the partnership and the endoscope donation, calling it a “game-changer” for early cancer detection. “There are some silent cancers, like colon cancer, that present symptoms similar to diarrhoea or constipation. Many don’t know it’s cancer until it’s too late. This machine will help with early diagnosis and improve outcomes,” she said.
Okay.ng reports that this initiative reflects a growing trend of public-private partnerships aimed at improving healthcare access in Nigeria.
