***Hundreds benefit from medical outreach in Ese-Odo as over 400 traders receive financial support in Ilaje through initiatives sponsored by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ondo State chapter, has continued to make significant impact across riverine communities with a dual intervention programme delivering free healthcare services and economic support to residents of Ese-Odo and Ilaje local government areas.
The group on Tuesday took its Jingi Asiwaju Medical Outreach to Agadagba Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area where hundreds of residents benefitted from free medical services.
The programme, sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was held at the Gateway Baptist Church, Agadagba Obon.
Beneficiaries received free consultations, eye screening and treatment as well as drugs for common ailments.
The outreach also focused on promoting preventive healthcare and raising wellness awareness among underserved communities.
The GMT State Director General, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the initiative was part of a broader commitment to reach all local government areas in the state.
“We are here in Agadagba Obon in continuation of our visits across Ondo State. We’ve been to several local government areas and we are fulfilling our promise to reach every part of the state,” he said.
Yusuf-Ogunleye noted that residents from Kiribo and surrounding riverine communities turned out in large numbers, underscoring the programme’s growing impact.
He said: “Their health is our concern. We provide free medical care and where cases are complicated, especially eye-related issues, we refer them to Akure for further treatment.”
The GMT Director General emphasised that the programme is non-partisan and open to all.
“This initiative is not about APC. It is about the people. No one is asked for party affiliation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu belongs to all Nigerians and that is why the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has committed resources to ensure this programme reaches as many people as possible,” he said.
GMT State Secretary, Hon. Rasheed Badmus, described the outreach as successful, noting that beneficiaries expressed appreciation through prayers for President Tinubu and the minister.
Badmus stated: “The programme has been very successful because people were happy in all the local government areas we have visited.
“People are praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing our son, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is championing this programme through GMT. They are praying for the president. They are also praying for the minister. It shows that they appreciate this programme.
“My message to the good people of Ondo State, especially Ese-Odo Local Government Area, is to continue to support President Tinubu and to ensure that he is reelected so that this kind of the dividends of democracy will continue.”
Dr. Tope Akoje, GMT Coordinator in Ese-Odo, highlighted the logistical challenges of mobilising people across riverine areas but expressed satisfaction with the turnout and impact.
According to Akoje, “The excitement of the people is evident. Many had only heard about the programme, but now they are experiencing it firsthand. They are grateful and fully supportive.”
In a related development, GMT extended its Asiwaju Tiwantiwa Market Outreach, also known as E-Lo-So-Loja, to Ilaje Local Government Area, empowering grassroots traders with financial support.
The initiative, which is also sponsored by Hon. Tunji-Ojo, was held at the Igbokoda Main Market, where over 400 market women and small-scale traders received funds to boost their businesses.
Yusuf-Ogunleye, who also spoke at the market outreach, said the programme aims to strengthen local economies and support women entrepreneurs.
“You can see the excitement here in Igbokoda. We have empowered more than 400 traders. While we cannot reach everyone at once, we are committed to expanding this initiative across other local government areas,” he said.
He added that the outreach would soon move to Okitipupa Local Government Area, following previous editions in Ondo West, Akure South, Owo and other parts of the state.
The coordinator of the market outreach and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, commended the minister for the initiative, describing it as a strategic effort to uplift women and encourage civic participation.
She also expressed optimism about the economic prospects of the area, citing the ongoing coastal road project under President Tinubu’s administration as a catalyst for growth in Ilaje.
“Our women are enthusiastic and hopeful. We urge them to make good use of the funds provided to grow their businesses,” she said.
The events were attended by other key GMT officials including Hon. Olamide Falana, Director of Women Affairs; Mr. Ojo Oyewamide, Director of Media; Mrs. Ajibola Susan, Director of Medical; and Deaconess Olufunke Adesida, GMT Iyaloja, alongside other political and community leaders.
