A charity organisation, the Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation, has brought succour to over 430 persons through its two-day medical outreach at Zide and Madagbayo communities in Ovia South-West local government area of Edo State with the visibly appreciative beneficiaries admitting that they have never experienced such gesture of free medical care, not even from the government.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that over 35 medical personnel in various fields of specialisation were on ground to attend to the health challenges of the people during the fifth edition of the Foundation’s medical intervention.
An initiative of Mr. Goodluck Ilajufi Ebelo, the Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation medical outreach which brought medical care to the doorsteps of the members of the two communities at no cost, took place between April 4 and 5, 2026, and provided medical services which included conduct of various tests such as blood sugar level, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and blood pressure.
Weight checks, eye examinations, optical dispensing, and medical consultations were also carried out, while appropriate medications were also provided for the beneficiaries.
Those with cases requiring further medical attention were referred 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 required expert medical services.
Flagging off the charity at Zide community, the founder, Mr. Goodluck Ilajufi Ebelo, explained that the initiative was aimed at bringing free medical care to the communities, especially during festive periods.
Ebelo noted that “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.
According to the philanthropist, “This has been ongoing for the past three years, and this is the fifth of its kind”.
On future projections of the organisation, Ebelo said abandoned government health facilities in the area would be refurbished, furnished, and equipped while qualified personnel would be engaged to operate them.
In her remarks, the Foundation’s Project Director, Dr. Hannah Ojo, said the initiative was inspired by the need to curb preventable deaths in the communities.
Ojo stated that “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”.
Also speaking, Dr. Ugonna Nwigwe, founder of Through The Eye Place, Abuja, and the Foundation’s Implementing Partner, expressed satisfaction with the impact of previous outreaches.
Dr. Nwigwe said with a sense of fulfillment that, “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 had been and expressed hope that we would return. It is very rewarding to put smiles on people’s faces in these communities”.
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 advocated.
Similarly, the Team Lead in Madagbayo community, Dr. Shalom Azenabor, noted that 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 the foundation.
“We have never experienced this kind of free medical care, even from the government,” he said, adding 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 of 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.
