Health Neglect Threatens National Productivity, Foundation Founder Warns

-Takes Free Medical Outreach to Ejigbo Community To Support AMBO Gov’ship Ambition

By Tosin Olasunkanmi & Oluwaferanmi Bello Osogbo

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Victory Support Foundation, Ambassador Olubunmi Olufunmilayo Lawal, has warned that the continued neglect of citizens’ health across Nigeria poses a major threat to human productivity and the country’s overall development.

Speaking during a free medical outreach held in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Lawal said sound health is the foundation of national progress, emphasizing that no society can thrive when its people are burdened by preventable illnesses and poor access to healthcare.

“Health is wealth. Before making strides in life, you must have sound health. A sick person cannot go about daily endeavours, but a sound mind empowers productivity,” she said.

She expressed concern that many Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, continue to face barriers to accessing medical care due to poverty, distance, and the rising cost of hospital services.

“There is no discrimination in benefiting from this outreach. As long as you are a resident of this town, you are qualified to benefit,” she said, explaining that the initiative was designed to make healthcare accessible to all residents, regardless of age or social status.

The Ejigbo outreach, sponsored by the Southwest Progressive Group, provided free medical consultations, treatment, and eye testing, alongside the distribution of corrective glasses to those with sight challenges.

Lawal noted that the Foundation had previously held similar programmes in other local government areas including Ifelodun, Iwo, Ilobu, Ifon, Erin-Osun, and Ila, reaffirming that the initiative is driven by passion, vision, and commitment to improving the health of ordinary citizens.

She called for greater collaboration between governments, civil society, and private organisations to expand access to primary healthcare, particularly in communities where public health facilities are overstretched or non-existent.

Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bade Falade, described the outreach as a rare and commendable gesture that directly benefits vulnerable citizens.

“This programme is a form of giving back to humanity. Our people in Ejigbo have benefited immensely, and we appreciate the organisers,” he said, urging other organisations and political stakeholders to emulate the initiative.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ejigbo West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Kolapo Olayanju (popularly known as Afrika), praised the programme for bringing relief to residents, especially the elderly.

“The programme is freely dispensed. There is no cost attached. We appreciate the sponsors for prioritising the well-being of our people,” he stated.

The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Government, Hon. Gbolahan Muyiwa Ayegbayo, also commended the Foundation for its commitment to grassroots health.

The Chairman of Ejigbo South LCDA, Hon. Yusuf Bashiru, also lauded the Foundation, describing the outreach as a blessing to the community and a reflection of genuine concern for people’s well-being.

“We are blessed with a foundation that prioritises the health of our people. It’s a commendable effort that should be sustained,” he said.

“Present-day medical services are not cheap. It’s not common for organisations to spearhead such programmes, and we appreciate Victory Support Foundation for investing in the health of our people,” Ayegbayo said.

One of the beneficiaries, Alamu Abosede, an executive assistant in Iwo Local Government, described the outreach as a timely intervention.

“Many people have not been able to visit the hospital this year for various reasons. Bringing this to our doorstep, especially for market women, is a great opportunity,” she said.

Citymirrornews reports that the medical outreach which was organised in support of one of the APC gubernatorial aspirants, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji popularly known as AMBO is sponsored by Southwest Progressive Group