The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, has extended her Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation and Free Medical Outreach to Nagazi community in Adavi Local Government Area.
The initiative, which began four months ago, has evolved from a youth-focused drug rehabilitation scheme into a comprehensive community health programme reaching hundreds of residents across the state.
The project which was originally conceived to assist young people battling substance abuse has been expanded to cater for other segments of the population with health challenges such as hypertension, diabetes including those with minor surgical needs.
Extending the community-based health intervention, according to organisers, followed persistent appeals from women groups and community leaders seeking access to preventive care and medical attention.
Speaking during the outreach in Nagazi, the Programme Facilitator, Dr. Hope Omeiza, commended the First Lady’s commitment to public health, noting that her leadership has inspired professionals to join the campaign as volunteers.
“Her Excellency’s passion for the wellbeing of the people is the driving force behind this initiative. The turnout here in Nagazi has been massive, and the response has been encouraging,” he said, adding that all wards in Kogi Central will be covered in phases.
Also speaking , Pharmacist Usman Lukman Ozovehe described the programme as a holistic intervention bringing medical consultations, drug use education, and free medications directly to rural communities.
He explained that the outreach bridges healthcare gaps by reaching citizens who cannot afford medical services in hospitals.
Community leaders and beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady for her compassion and dedication to the wellbeing of the community.
The free medical and rehabilitation outreach reaffirms commitment of the Kogi State government to grassroots development, public health, and the well-being of citizens.
Over 1000 residents were screened during the exercise, with over 700 of them receiving medical care upon discovering their medical conditions for the first time.
