Sr. Rosemary ETIM, DHS

 

On the 5th and 6th of June 2025, the palace of the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, Sango Ota, Ogun State, became a beacon of hope as hundreds of residents gathered to benefit from a Free Medical Outreach organized by the Rotary Club of Nigeria, in collaboration with Marie Balavenne’s Catholic College.

 

From as early as 8:00 a.m., people of all ages — children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly — trooped into the palace grounds. They came from diverse backgrounds, races, religions, and walks of life, all united by one need: access to quality healthcare.

 

This laudable initiative was spearheaded by Rev. Sr. Rosemary Etim DHS, Principal of Marie Balavenne’s Catholic College, as part of her commitment to community service and social responsibility. In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Nigeria, the outreach sought to bridge the gap in access to basic healthcare for underserved members of the community.

 

The two-day program provided a wide range of free medical services, including: Blood pressure and temperature checks, Body mass index check, Malaria test for children and pregnant women, Blood sugar test for adults group, HIV test and counselling, Prostrate screening for Men, Hepatitis B &C test and vaccination, Eye examinations and free prescription glasses, Eye screening for glaucoma and cataract, Distribution of sanitary pads to adolescent girls, Distribution of mosquito nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers, Deworming for Children, and On-site medical consultations with licensed doctors.

The outreach was well received, with media coverage provided by ASK Radio 89.3FM. A reporter from the station interviewed several beneficiaries, including an 83-year-old grandmother who was overwhelmed with gratitude. With a smile on her face and prayers on her lips, she expressed disbelief that such extensive healthcare services — including free medications — could be offered without cost.

 

Also in attendance was Mr Benedict Okhumale, the National Secretary of the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Nigeria, who emphasized the organization’s enduring commitment to social impact. He noted that initiatives like this are central to Rotary's mission of delivering humanitarian aid and improving quality of life across the country.

 

The outreach left a lasting impression on the people of Ilogbo, many of whom called for the program to become an annual event. Community members expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizers for their generosity, dedication, and compassion.

 

Indeed, the Free Medical Outreach stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the profound impact of grassroots healthcare initiatives. For the people of Ilogbo, it was not just about medicine — it was about hope, dignity, and a renewed sense of community.