Over 400 residents of Okota and its surrounding communities have benefitted from a free medical outreach organised by the 1985 pioneering set of Ilamoye Grammar School, Okota, as part of activities marking their 40th anniversary celebration.
Hybridnewsng reports that the outreach was held at the Okota Country Club, Ago Palace Way, Lagos State, near the school’s original location, and featured a wide range of health services.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Abiodun Ganui, President of the Ilamoye Old Students Association (Class of 1985), said the initiative was designed to give back to the community that shaped their lives.
“This celebration marks 40 years since we left school, and we decided to hold a medical outreach here in Okota as part of our anniversary programme,” Ganui said. “With the current economic situation, many people are managing one health issue or another, and some cannot even afford basic medical care. This outreach is our little way of giving back to a community that invested so much in us.”
Ganui expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the association initially planned for 300 people but ended up attending to more than 400 beneficiaries.
“We are glad the turnout surpassed expectations. It shows the programme met its goals,” he added.
Chairman of the Anniversary Organising Committee, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, revealed that the celebration would span one week.
According to him, the programme began with a Juma’at service on Friday, followed by the medical outreach, while a thanksgiving service would hold on Sunday.
“On Tuesday, we will visit our alma mater to encourage the students to take their studies seriously. On Wednesday, we will pay a courtesy visit to the family of the late Chief Lateef Jakande, whose free education policy shaped many of our lives,” Akpan said.
He noted that many members of the 1985 set benefitted directly from Jakande’s free education initiative and considered it important to honour his legacy.
The Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, played a significant role by providing experienced medical personnel for the outreach.
Capt. Aliyu Oyeneyin, Commander of the hospital, said it was a privilege to support the programme in honour of Rear Adm. Akpan.
“Our team provided a full range of healthcare services, from medications and anti-malarial drugs to dental care, laboratory tests, and public health services,” he explained. “Insecticide-treated mosquito nets were also distributed. All consumables were sponsored by the alumni association; the Navy provided the personnel to ensure a smooth and impactful outreach.”
He added that the Nigerian Navy regularly conducts community medical outreaches nationwide as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“We have Navy hospitals and medical centres across the country, and we encourage the public to make use of these facilities,” Oyeneyin said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Aisha Yakubu, expressed joy after receiving medications for her three-year-old son who recently developed a fever.
Hybridnewsng also observed that several residents received eyeglasses, medications, malaria prevention kits, and mosquito nets. Many beneficiaries thanked the Ilamoye Grammar School Alumni Association and the Nigerian Navy personnel for their support and commitment to improving community health.