More than 200 residents of Akinlalu and neighbouring communities in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State have benefited from the third-quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Osun State.
The medical outreach, held on Friday at Akinlalu Secondary Commercial College, was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi, as part of efforts to improve access to basic healthcare services for residents of underserved communities.
The initiative provided beneficiaries with a range of services, including medical consultations, health screening, laboratory investigations, pharmaceutical services and health education.
Ahead of the exercise, NYSC officials, corps members and members of the NYSC Band embarked on a sensitisation rally through Akinlalu and neighbouring areas to create awareness and encourage residents to participate in the programme.
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Akinlalu, Oba Akinpelu Muhammad Idowu, where they paid homage to the monarch and his entourage.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Assistant Director, Community Development Service (CDS), Mr. Christopher Oyedokun, who highlighted the importance of taking basic healthcare services closer to rural communities.
In his remarks, Oba Akinpelu Muhammad Idowu expressed appreciation to the NYSC and the Deputy Speaker for bringing the initiative to Akinlalu.
The traditional ruler encouraged residents to take full advantage of the opportunity while adhering to professional medical advice provided by the healthcare team.
Flagging off the outreach, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, commended Hon. Oyewusi for sponsoring the programme and supporting the Scheme’s efforts to promote the wellbeing of residents in rural communities.
Kubiangha subsequently led the traditional ruler through the various stages of the medical screening exercise.
The medical team attended to beneficiaries through registration, vital-sign assessment, medical consultation, laboratory investigations and pharmaceutical services. Chiefs, community leaders and other residents also participated in the outreach.
The health education component focused on several issues, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, personal hygiene, hypertension and mental health.
Residents were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles, avoid prolonged periods of inactivity and incorporate simple physical activities such as regular walking into their daily routines.
Speaking at the event, Chief Lekan Obishakin commended the community for its support and expressed appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for sponsoring the outreach.
He urged residents to continue to promote peace, uphold good character and preserve the values that strengthen the community.
Also speaking, Hon. Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi appreciated the people of Akinlalu for their support and urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the healthcare services provided during the outreach.
He emphasised the importance of regular medical check-ups and advised residents to avoid self-medication, encouraging them to seek professional medical attention whenever necessary.
The outreach further demonstrated the NYSC’s commitment to community development and its broader role in complementing existing healthcare efforts by facilitating access to basic health services, particularly for people living in rural and underserved communities.
