No fewer than 5,000 residents are expected to benefit from the second phase of the Jingi Asiwaju Medical Outreach in Ondo State, as the initiative expands its reach across communities.
The outreach, which commenced on Wednesday in Oke-Agbe, Akoko North East Local Government Area, is organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) and sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Hundreds of residents thronged the event venue at Shekoni Hotel to access free medical services, including consultations, treatment, medications, and distribution of eyeglasses.
Speaking at the event, the State Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, described the second phase of the programme as a fulfilment of a promise made to the people of the state.
“This second phase is a promise kept. We assured the people of Ondo State that the Jingi Asiwaju Medical Outreach would continue, and today we are in Oke-Agbe to sustain that commitment,” he said.
Yusuf-Ogunleye noted that the initiative aligns with the broader efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the welfare of Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots level.
According to him, the outreach goes beyond the distribution of eyeglasses to include comprehensive medical tests, consultations, and treatment for various health conditions, targeting about 500 beneficiaries in each local government area.
He explained that the programme, which initially began at the senatorial district level, was later decentralised to local government areas to enhance accessibility and ensure wider coverage.
“Our people appreciate this initiative. Taking it to their doorsteps has made it easier for more residents to benefit,” he added, while urging Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing reforms by the Federal Government.
Also speaking, the GMT State Secretary, Hon. Rasheed Badmus, said the overwhelming success recorded during the first phase informed the decision to expand the programme.
“During the last phase, we saw the level of appreciation from the people. We reported back to our principal, Hon. Tunji-Ojo, who approved its continuation across the state,” he said.
Badmus commended the minister for his sustained support, describing the outreach as a demonstration of the dividends of democracy. He added that the exercise had been peaceful and well-organised, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the intervention.
On her part, the GMT Director of Women Affairs, Chief Olamide Falana, represented by the Ondo North Women Coordinator, Princess Bukunmi Akeju, said the initiative was designed to address pressing healthcare needs at the grassroots, particularly among women and vulnerable groups.
Similarly, the GMT Director of Medical, Mrs. Ajibola Susan, emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, especially for women and the elderly, urging participants to adopt healthier lifestyles and seek regular medical check-ups.
Dignitaries at the event included the Ewi of Aje Oke-Agbe, Oba Oloruntoba Bello; GMT Director of Media, Mr. Ojo Oyewamide; Akoko North East Coordinator, Hon. Awe Azeez; Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Jimoh Jamiu; and APC chieftain, Alhaji Ali Oloruntoba, among others.
