Balqees Adeniji
In a bold move to improve public health and clean up Nigeria’s streets of neglected mentally ill individuals, the Federal Government, in partnership with the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, has intensified its free medical outreach programme across Ogun Central Senatorial District.
The initiative, which began in 2024, has now reached Abeokuta South Local Government Area, providing free healthcare services to over 215 residents, including pregnant women, the elderly, youths, and children.
The programme, held in Abeokuta , is part of a wider federal health mission targeting the grassroots and vulnerable groups.
It offers free registration, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, consultations with doctors, and medications.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly also receive free insecticide-treated nets.
At the heart of the initiative is the drive to remove mentally ill individuals from the streets, where they often pose safety and security risks.
Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Ibrahim Nurudeen Oyekola, who leads the mental health intervention, described the effort as both a medical and social responsibility.
“Mentally ill persons are often seen as threats — some attack passersby, others are mistaken for kidnappers or criminals.
The truth is, these are sick individuals abandoned by overwhelmed families and a neglectful system.
This initiative is cleaning our society while giving these individuals a second chance at life,” Dr. Oyekola explained.
Since the launch of the programme, ten mentally ill individuals have been successfully taken off the streets for treatment — all at no cost.
Dr. Oyekola emphasized the need for society to change its perception of mental illness.
“People need to know mental illness is just like any other illness. It’s not a spiritual curse or something shameful.
“ When you see someone sick in the street, don’t dismiss them. Show empathy. They need care, not condemnation,” he said.
Part of the outreach involves educating communities during street visits.
The medical team builds rapport with vagrants, often providing food or other incentives to encourage voluntary hospital visits.
Responding to questions on traditional or herbal methods, Dr. Oyekola took a balanced stance.
He said “as a Yoruba man, I won’t say our herbalists don’t do anything right. They have made contributions, and we learn from them.
“But psychiatry today takes a holistic approach — psychological, social, occupational — not just herbs. What we offer at Aro is comprehensive,” he said.
Dr. (Mrs.) Egua Lydia, Chairperson of the Health Campaign Committee and Consultant Family Physician at the Mother and Child Hospital, Mowe, also lauded the outreach.
“Too many Nigerians treat their bodies worse than they treat their cars or generators.
“ The average person will rush to repair a faulty generator, but neglect symptoms in their own body until it’s too late,” she observed.
Dr. Lydia noted the poor health-seeking behavior in communities and the urgent need for proactive healthcare, especially with the rising cost of living and medication.
“Health care must be seen as a right. Inflation is real. A drug that cost N3,000 a few months ago now costs almost N10,000.
The poor cannot cope. That is why initiatives like this are lifesaving,” she said.
The outreach, currently focusing on six local government areas in Ogun Central, brings essential healthcare to people where they are — without expecting them to visit overwhelmed health facilities.
“We are coming home to the people. We’re not waiting for them to come to us. This is the true essence of universal healthcare,” Dr. Lydia said.
With more local governments yet to be covered, the initiative is gaining momentum and widespread community support.
The success recorded so far is not only improving the health of residents but also cleaning up the streets — physically and socially.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
