Bukola Afeni
The Rotary Club of Abuja City, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has provided free medical and eye care services to residents of Piyakasa and Guzape communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The programme took place during a two-day Security and Health Awareness Campaign in Abuja.
Speaking at the outreach in Guzape, the President of Rotary Club Abuja City, Gloria Ikibah, said the exercise aligns with Rotary International’s Areas of Focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment, Maternal and Child Health, and Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
She explained that the project addresses the health needs of vulnerable groups while also fostering awareness on safety and security.
“This project speaks directly to the needs of our communities. We are offering free medical services such as eye tests, free glasses, hepatitis tests, sugar tests, malaria testing, blood pressure checks, and deworming.
“At the same time, through security awareness, we are empowering individuals and families to protect themselves and live with confidence and peace of mind,” Ikibah said.
The outreach featured partnership with Silver Cross Hospital, Eye Care Aid Foundation, Medplus Pharmacy, and Dream Awake Empowering Initiatives, where hundreds of residents went home with free consultations, tests, medication, and corrective glasses.
Ikibah described the initiative as part of Rotary’s global mandate to “Unite for Good,” adding that collaboration between government agencies, private organizations, and community groups can deliver lasting impact.
The representative of the NSCDC FCT Commandant, AAC John Alaba Stephen, Commander of the Armed Squad Unit, emphasized that health and security are pillars of peace.
“If people are not healthy, the community cannot be at peace. Medical and security interventions must go hand in hand.
” After giving this treatment and awareness, we expect both improved health and stronger security in the community,” he said.
The Medical Director of Silver Cross Hospital in Abuja, Dr. Ezie Patrick disclosed that between 600 and 700 residents benefitted from the exercise, ranging from hypertension, malaria, typhoid, and skin diseases to high sugar levels in adults, as well as malaria and fever among children.
He added that some patients were referred for specialist care.
The outreach also sought to improve health-seeking behavior among Nigerians.
Dr. Ezie emphasized the need for regular medical check ups, saying,“Many people wait until illnesses break them down before seeking care, which often turns into emergencies.
” Through screenings, we found seemingly healthy individuals with life-threatening conditions. This shows why regular checkups are critical,” the director said.
Project Manager of Eye Care Aid Foundation, Diamond Abah, while speaking, stressed the importance of regular eye examinations.
“Every individual should check their eyes at least once every two years. As people age, the eye muscles weaken, making it difficult to read without support. Medicated glasses help relax the muscles and improve quality of life,” he explained.
In his commendation, the Chief of Guzape Community, Bitrus Yakubu, commended the Rotary Club, NSCDC, and partners for bringing the initiative to his community, describing it as a welcome intervention that promotes both health and security.
