The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Kogi State, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, on Thursday flagged off the second quarter edition of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) at Apamsede community in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Represented by the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Commissioner expressed delight at the continued partnership between the NYSC and local communities in advancing access to healthcare at the grassroots.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s support for corps members and NYSC programmes that promote public wellbeing.
He noted that the health outreach aligns with the administration’s goals of improving the quality of life for all Kogi citizens, especially those in rural and underserved communities.
Speaking at the event, Kogi State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Femi Osungbohun, highlights the impact of the NYSC-HIRD programme since its inception in 2014.
He noted that the initiative has catered to over two million Nigerians, offering free medical consultations, treatment, and referrals, as well as distribution of essential drugs and medical consumables such as eyeglasses.
“The NYSC-HIRD is a platform designed to ensure that the indigent and underserved in our rural areas receive qualitative healthcare services at no cost,” Osungbohun said. He praised corps members serving as medical volunteers for their selfless commitment and encouraged residents of Apamsede and its environs to take full advantage of the services being offered during the outreach.
Royal blessings were also pronounced at the event by His Royal Highness, Chief Musa Usman Ogie, the Ohiete of Oze-Are (Farm Center), who praised the NYSC for choosing Apamsede as a host community for the initiative.
He acknowledged the presence of the NYSC State Coordinator, noting that the community was notified only a few days earlier, yet was delighted to be a part of such a significant intervention. “We are very much delighted to be here this morning. The health of our people matters to us and we are glad to receive you,” the traditional ruler said.
The event drew attendance from notable personalities including the Managing Director of ADP, Dr. Bello Ogrima, the Assistant Director Corps Welfare and Health Services, Mr. Eko Emmanuel, the Zonal Inspector for Lokoja Zone, Mr. Etsu Muazu, royal fathers of various districts, and representatives of INGRA and MSI.
Members of the Apamsede community, corps members, and youth leaders also turned out in numbers to benefit from the free health services and medical sensitization.
