By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union has provided a free medical outreach to residents of Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of activities marking its end-of-year programme. The outreach, held on December 27, replaced a planned cultural celebration in honour of the late Etsu Abu Ali Mopah III of the Bassa Nge Kingdom.The Nupe Natives of Lokoja Union medical outreach was organised in partnership with CAMPDAVID Community Development Organisation and focused on basic but critical health screenings for members of the public. Services offered included blood pressure and blood sugar level checks aimed at early detection of non-communicable diseases.
According to the organisers, the decision to shift from cultural festivities to a health-focused initiative was taken as a mark of respect following the passing of the traditional ruler. The union said the outreach reflected its commitment to community welfare and sustainable development.A total of 60 residents were screened during the exercise. Findings from the outreach showed that about 70 per cent of participants had elevated blood pressure, while 15 per cent recorded high blood sugar levels, underscoring the growing prevalence of silent health conditions within the community.
Speaking at the event, the National President of the union, Alhaji Abdullahi Ndashitte Abubakar, said the initiative was guided by the principles of prevention, accessibility, and empowerment. He noted that the partnership with CAMPDAVID Community Development Organisation was key to the success of the programme.“In honour of the late Etsu Abu Ali Mopah III, we are giving our people a free medical outreach focused on blood pressure and blood sugar screening, because quality healthcare should be a right, not a luxury,” Abubakar said. He explained that the outreach was designed to identify health conditions early, remove financial and distance barriers to care, and empower residents with knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices. He urged community members to take advantage of such opportunities to monitor their health status.
Abubakar also commended CAMPDAVID and the medical volunteers who supported the exercise, describing health as the community’s greatest asset. He assured residents that the union planned to institutionalise the initiative. “We intend to make this outreach a quarterly programme from 2026, with a broader scope. We are open to collaborations and support so we can reach more people and save more lives,” he said.The Etsu Lokoja, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, praised the union, medical personnel, and participants for prioritising community health. He emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, describing the outreach as timely and impactful.“ Health is wealth. The benefits of bringing medical examinations to the grassroots cannot be overstated,” the monarch said, while pledging his full support for future initiatives by the union.
Community leaders at the event also lauded the outreach, noting that taking healthcare services directly to residents helps bridge gaps in access and awareness. They offered prayers for the continued success of the union’s programmes and encouraged sustained community participation.The Nupe Natives of Lokoja Union medical outreach is expected to serve as a foundation for expanded health interventions as the union integrates medical services into its future activities across Lokoja and surrounding communities.
