A coalition of Nigerian Muslims in the United States, in partnership with the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union (IEDPU), has provided free medical services to more than 2,000 residents of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The initiative, aimed at improving access to healthcare and supporting community development, was carried out through a medical outreach programme organised by the National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organisations (NCNMO) in collaboration with the IEDPU USA Branch.
The outreach, which began last Thursday at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, offered eye care, dental treatment, surgeries, consultations, medications and other healthcare services to beneficiaries.
The programme culminated in a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at his palace.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IEDPU USA Branch, Muhammad Abubakar Oladimeji, said “the initiative was designed to contribute to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and improve residents’ wellbeing.”
According to him, “the association organised a similar outreach last year, but expanded this year’s edition through collaboration with NCNMO.”
“We are bringing this outreach to Ilorin to contribute our quota to the development of our home community and support our people. We hope to make it an annual programme,” he said.
- ALSO READ: Medical Outreach Reaches 400 FCT Residents
The Head of the NCNMO Medical team, Dr. Abdulfatai Ilupeju, said the organisation had previously conducted similar interventions in Ibadan, Ijebu Ode, Osogbo and Ejigbo before bringing the initiative to Ilorin.
He said that “more than 2,000 patients benefited from the programme, with about 120 undergoing eye surgeries and 82 others receiving various surgical procedures.”
“Many others received consultations, medications and other medical services during the outreach,” Ilupeju said.
He added that the visit to the Emir was to appreciate him and the people of Ilorin for their hospitality and support throughout the exercise.
The Chairman of the IEDPU USA Branch, Lanre Abaya, thanked the Emir for receiving the delegation and pledged the association’s continued support for community development initiatives.
In his remarks, the Emir commended the organisers for their humanitarian service, describing the gesture as ‘a demonstration of compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people.’
He urged others to emulate the initiative by supporting vulnerable members of society and offered prayers for the donors and medical volunteers.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the IEDPU USA Branch Medical Mission Committee, Babatunde Isiaka Onimago, said the outreach formed part of the association’s broader efforts to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.
He noted that the programme included health screenings, medical counselling and community sensitisation activities targeted at residents regardless of religion, ethnicity or social status.
“This is not just a one-time intervention. It is a signature humanitarian programme that we intend to sustain yearly. We have mobilised personnel and about 200 volunteers to spread the message and ensure wider participation,” Onimago said.
He added that the organisers were committed to deepening access to healthcare and strengthening humanitarian support for underserved communities across the Ilorin Emirate.
