Over 5,100 people received medical care during a five-day free medical mission in Ogu, Ogu/Bolo local government area. The outreach, which took place from March 16 to March 20, 2026, at the model primary healthcare centre, addressed various health conditions and drew large crowds. This highlighted the significant gaps in access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Chairman of the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs, noted that the initiative remains critical in tackling barriers to healthcare. Many Nigerians delay or avoid treatment due to high out-of-pocket costs. The foundation has provided care and hope to vulnerable populations lacking access to functional healthcare systems for over two decades.
A total of 5,112 people benefited from the mission, with 3,439 being women and 1,673 men. Surgeries included hernia repairs, lipoma excisions, appendectomies, hydrocelectomies, and other complex procedures. The mission was formally inaugurated on March 18, with representatives of the Ogu/Bolo local government commending the foundation's commitment to improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
The mission was led by Dr. Famba Famba Daniel, who delivered services alongside 77 medical and 32 non-medical volunteers. Stakeholders and partner organisations described the outreach as impactful and transformative, particularly in advancing access to healthcare as a fundamental human right.
The foundation's free medical mission programme has now reached over 195,000 beneficiaries across multiple states.
The O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation's 45th free medical mission in Ogu/Bolo LGA is a poignant reminder of the healthcare challenges plaguing underserved communities in Nigeria. The sheer numbers of people benefiting from this initiative underscore the need for sustained commitment to improving access to healthcare. However, the fact that many Nigerians still delay or avoid treatment due to high out-of-pocket costs is a stark indictment of the country's healthcare system. The foundation's efforts, while commendable, should be seen as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
