Hon. Ajala’s free medical mission sets new benchmark for grassroots healthcare in Lagos

The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala, has described the council’s Free Medical Mission as a transformative and enduring model for grassroots healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Speaking during a recent media briefing, Hon. Ajala said the initiative—now in its seventh year—was designed to provide quality healthcare services to residents of the LCDA at little or no cost, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing medical care.

“Our Free Medical Mission was conceived and carefully executed with the sole aim of making quality healthcare accessible to all our people, especially the vulnerable,” he stated. “It is a comprehensive initiative that has brought healing, relief, and renewed hope to thousands.”

The health-focused programme, carried out in collaboration with various healthcare organisations, has offered residents free consultations, screenings, and treatments for a broad spectrum of medical conditions. These include hypertension, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, and surgical interventions for the elderly.

Ajala highlighted the success of the free eye care component of the mission, which has seen hundreds benefit from free eyeglasses and surgical procedures. “Our free eye care programme has positively impacted many lives, and its success has been widely acknowledged,” he noted.

Independent reports support these claims. During the last round of the initiative, over 200 residents received free prescription glasses, while nearly 100 others underwent corrective eye surgeries—an achievement described by local observers as unprecedented in the council’s history.

At the heart of the initiative is a multi-pronged strategy tailored to meet the needs of diverse demographic groups within the LCDA. One such innovation is the Mobile Clinic Scheme, where medical ambulances and trained personnel deliver quality care directly to the homes of the elderly and those too weak to visit primary health centres.

“This allows us to reach our senior citizens and physically challenged residents who may not be able to travel. We bring care to them,” Ajala explained.

Another major pillar of the programme is a free health insurance scheme introduced by the Ajala administration. This scheme enables residents to receive medical treatment, including emergency care, without financial barriers. Special consideration is also given to people with disabilities through a dedicated programme that caters to their unique healthcare needs.

Healthcare professionals and community members alike have lauded the initiative. Helen Omogui, a resident nurse and mother of two from Ilupeju, praised the programme’s scope and impact.

“The LCDA’s health programme is truly a model. Access to quality care is seamless, and the costs are almost nonexistent. It has saved lives and should be emulated by councils across the country,” Omogui remarked.

Ajala revealed that the Free Medical Mission is part of a larger health sector reform agenda undertaken by his administration. This includes the renovation, equipping, and upgrading of multiple Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the area. Centres in Coker, Ayantuga, Anikulapo, and Kajola have all benefitted from these upgrades.

The jewel in the crown, however, is the Ajisegiri Health Centre—a facility constructed on land that once served as a notorious hideout for criminals. Under Ajala’s leadership, the location was transformed into a state-of-the-art health centre, effectively addressing both healthcare and security concerns in the area.

“Calling it a Primary Health Centre doesn’t do it justice,” said Ganiyu Oluade, a local resident. “The facility rivals many general hospitals in Lagos. Its modern equipment and services are something we never imagined would be possible in our community.”

Reflecting on the programme’s success, Ajala expressed satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

“We’ve pursued this healthcare vision with determination, and by God’s grace, we believe we’re leaving behind a legacy that will continue to serve our people long after our administration,” he said.

As Lagos continues to grapple with the challenges of urban healthcare, the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye model may offer a template for other local councils across Nigeria—showing that with strategic vision, partnerships, and political will, quality healthcare at the grassroots is not just possible, but sustainable.