In a remarkable display of humanitarian effort, over 2,000 indigenes and residents of Ogun State have received free medical care in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the late Agura of Gbagura land, Oba Dr. Sabur Babajide Bakre.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Tobade Progressive Club, an indigenous organization dedicated to community service and improvement.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the simultaneous 3-day medical outreach was holding at Oke-Iddo and Ake to cover all the four sections of Egba Ake, Egba Oke-Ona, Egba Gbagura and Egba Owu.
The three-day medical outreach, which included pre-screening for dental and ophthalmic surgeries as well as general medical consultations, took place from Monday, June 3rd to Wednesday, June 5th, 2024.
The event was held simultaneously at the Agura Palace in Oke-Iddo and Centenary Hall in Ake, Abeokuta.
Several dignitaries attended the anniversary events, including Hon. Bolanle Bakre, the wife of the late king, and key stakeholders from the Tobade Progressives Club.
Speaking with newsmen, the club’s president, Shamweel Olatunji Keshinro, expressed his satisfaction with the remembrance programme, describing it as a tribute to the late king’s legacy of community service.
“We’ve had almost four programs for this remembrance. We started by giving out a 306 Peugeot car to a Gbagura indigene. The second programme was the renovation of this palace because the Kabiyesi wanted to live here with us. Sadly, he was called by God before he could commission it,” Keshinro said.
He added “this medical outreach is our fourth programme, and it reflects the late king’s belief in touching the lives of people, especially the elderly.”
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the Tobade Progressives Club, founded by the late king, has been instrumental in addressing various community needs.
The president said “over the past year, the club has initiated multiple outreach programmes, including monetary gifts to the elderly and other supportive measures during economic hardships.
Highlighting the medical outreach, Keshinro stated that over 1,500 people had already benefited from the program, with a target of reaching 2,000 individuals.
He emphasized the club’s commitment to providing medical care to those in need, especially the less privileged who cannot afford treatment costs.
“We’ve attended to more than 1,500 people so far, and our target is 2,000. Anyone needing medical attention will have their names recorded, and with the collaboration of the National Council of Nigeria Muslim Organization, medical professionals from the USA will attend to them,” Keshinro explained. “We use two centers, Ake for eye problems and the Agura Palace for general consultations. We’re grateful for the support from the Bakare family and other communities.”
Dr. Abayomi Olajide, Vice President II of the club and coordinator of the medical program, provided further details about the outreach. He noted that the initiative aimed to alleviate the community’s health burdens by offering free medical consultations, health education, and necessary interventions for various conditions.
“We’ve conducted screenings for malaria, hepatitis, blood sugar, and urine analysis.
“Those needing medications receive them free of charge, while those requiring surgical interventions are prepared for subsequent stages,” Dr. Olajide said.
“Eye problems have been a significant focus, with over 250 individuals screened for issues like cataracts and glaucoma. In two weeks, a missionary team from the US will join us to perform surgeries.”
Dr. Olajide projected that by the end of the outreach, over 3,000 residents would have received medical attention.
He estimated the project’s total cost to exceed N20 million, covering the quality drugs purchased and the subsidized remuneration for medical professionals.
“This exercise, given the high quality of drugs and the extent of medical services provided, is valued at not less than N20 million,”
Dr. Olajide concluded. “We’re committed to upholding the legacy of our late king by continuing to serve and uplift our community.”
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