In a bid to promote health awareness and reduce the rising cases of sudden death, a retired General Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and founder of Jedidiah Divine Home of Love (JEDLOF), Dr. Ebele Okoye, has called on Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure and sugar levels.
Dr. Okoye made the appeal during a quarterly medical outreach organised by her NGO over the weekend at Ikeja High School, Oyetayo, Oshodi.
The event, which provided free medical screening for over 100 widows, had the theme “Reviving Hope and Empowering Widows.”
She expressed concern over the inability of many Nigerians to access proper healthcare due to worsening economic conditions.
Highlighting the dangers of untreated health conditions, Dr. Okoye described high blood pressure as a “silent killer,” stressing the need for early detection and routine health checks.
“Many Nigerians are hardworking, but unlike their counterparts in developed countries who benefit from strong welfare systems, they are left to fend for themselves. This is why we must take personal responsibility for our health”.
She urged the public to adopt regular medical check-ups as a way of preserving life, while also encouraging members of JEDLOF to engage in the NGO’s monthly online prayer sessions for spiritual support.
Dr. further appealed to government agencies, corporate bodies, and individuals to support JEDLOF’s efforts to assist widows and vulnerable groups through medical and humanitarian interventions.
The outreach deviated from the NGO’s usual support in the form of food and cash, focusing instead on critical health needs.
Coordinator of the screening, Mrs. Peace Okoye said the foundation made a conscious decision to prioritize the health of the widows this time, recognizing that many avoid medical checks due to cost.
“Most people don’t know what’s going on in their bodies until it’s too late. We’re trying to change that”.
Widows who benefitted from the outreach expressed gratitude for the gesture, one of them, Mrs. Abiodun Funmilayo, noted that this wasn’t her first time receiving help from JEDLOF.
Another, Mrs. Yemisi Adenusi, praised Dr. Okoye not just for the health support but also for providing food and school fees for her children.
Mrs. Amaele Ego shared her experience, saying, “I wouldn’t have known my blood pressure was high if I hadn’t come today. I could have gone to the farm with it and collapsed.”
A team of medical doctors was on hand to attend to the widows and those diagnosed with high blood pressure or elevated sugar levels were given medications, while others requiring further attention were referred to hospitals for follow-up care.
The exercise concluded with the distribution of gifts to the widows, further reinforcing the NGO’s commitment to holistic support for those in need.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen