Residents of Surulere, Lagos, turned out in impressive numbers over the weekend to take advantage of a free medical outreach program under the Akpabio Cares Initiative. This philanthropic drive, sponsored by the office of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, provided a lifeline to many vulnerable citizens who otherwise struggle to afford essential healthcare services.
This Lagos event marks the third successful edition of the initiative within the last two years. The program has previously made significant impacts in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yankaba in Kano State. The outreach offered more than just check-ups; beneficiaries received free professional consultations, prescribed medications, and much-needed eyeglasses.
Speaking during the exercise, the convener of the initiative and Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mr. Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, emphasized that the project is rooted in the belief that health is the greatest gift one can give back to society. He noted that the Lagos edition was specifically scaled to cater to at least 700 residents, ensuring that the intervention reached those most in need within the community.
When asked why the outreach was held in Lagos rather than the Senate President’s home state of Akwa Ibom, Mustapha clarified that the program maintains a national outlook. He explained that as the Senate President of the entire Federal Republic, Senator Akpabio’s philanthropic efforts are designed to be felt in every corner of the country, transcending regional boundaries.
The atmosphere at the venue was one of relief and gratitude. Many beneficiaries expressed their thanks to the organizers, noting that the medical intervention came at a crucial time. One resident highlighted that having a local community member like Mustapha in the Senate President’s office helped bring these “dividends of democracy” directly to their doorstep, making healthcare accessible to those who are often overlooked.
As the Surulere exercise came to a close, Mustapha shared that the Akpabio Cares Initiative is already looking ahead. The humanitarian mission is scheduled to move next to the North Central geopolitical zone, continuing its commitment to providing free medical support to Nigerians across all regions.
