The well-being of over 700 residents of Lagos State literarily became better as they accessed free checkups, provided by the Archbishop JKA Aggey Foundation, during the foundation’s Easter medical outreach. The beneficiaries, mostly drawn from Obalende area of Lagos State, location of the medical outreach and official headquarters of the Archbishop JKA Aggey Foundation, thronged the place recently, defying the scorching sun, eager to know their health status.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Malachi Moreira, Vice President, Archbishop Aggey Foundation, California, USA expressed happiness at the impressive turnout of people as he said it was encouraging, given the location and unfavourable weather. He said the activity which had been long time planned, now a reality, shows that John Aggey Foundation is really on ground, and can only improve going forward. On Nigeria’s health culture, he said, “The Idea is that the resources are limited. However, we cannot say because if I go there, I will not get treated, because you never know. From the clime that we came from, yes, this is really encouraging. It can only prompt more support from supporters because this is what they want to see that given this adverse weather, people are still willing to turn out.
We have over 500 now, and next time will be higher and the condition will be so conducive so that more people can come out. He said they are working on the funding, adding that this is one of the situations that will encourage the sponsors to support the foundation. For his part, Sir Albert Fadonougbo, President/CEO, Archbishop JKA Aggey Foundation, listed health care, care of orphans and the homeless as important programmes of the organisation. He said they are planning on building structures for the homeless, as well as are working on getting funds for the project. In his words: “We call it grants. So, I hope the US will help us, or Canadian or British or France.
We are working on it vigorously. So, by the grace of God, things will work out fine. On Ministry of Health’s involvement in the project, he said the ministry is partnering the foundation, which is a non-governmental organisation to help the people. He added that the ministry is happy with the event and that is the reason they are involved in it. On the choice of Obalende for the programme, he said the late Archbishop Aggey grew up there, noting that they will ensure that his legacy will continue for all time. He said: “This is the main headquarters and that’s the reason we started from here. We won’t stop here. We are going to Togo, Benin, Ghana and the US.
Temitope Abdullahi, one of the beneficiaries thanked the organisers for providing health care for the people, adding that one will spend nothing less than 50 thousand naira for the tests and medications given on the occasion. According to her, when she went to the hospital for eye test, she was asked to pay 5,500 naira for card and an additional 18 thousand naira for eye glasses which she is getting for free now, courtesy the JKA Aggey Foundation. The organisation was founded in memory of Archbishop JKA Aggey, the first indigenous Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, who was born March 5, 1908 and died March 14, 1972. The medical outreach included, blood pressure and blood sugar testing, HIV counselling and testing, TB screening, eye checks, free essential drugs and eye glasses.
