EFFURUN/Nigeria: It was a day of smiles and gratitude in Uvwie Local Government Area as hundreds of residents expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ede Dafinone for bringing free healthcare services to their doorstep through his ongoing Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach.
At the event, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Uvwie Local Government Secretariat, beneficiaries could not hide their joy as they received medical attention, health counselling, and free medications. Mrs. Agatha Enakerave, a trader from Ogbomo community, described the outreach as “a blessing that came at the right time.” She said, “I want to thank Senator Dafinone for partnering with the National Health Fellows. Not everyone can afford the drugs that they gave to us today. This is a welcome development.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ese Agbarolli, commended the medical volunteers for their professionalism and empathy. “They attended to us like family,” she said. “I’ve learned so much today about managing my blood sugar. The doctors explained things clearly, and I hope they continue this in other communities.”
For Mr. Udu Amos, a civil servant, the outreach provided an opportunity he had long postponed. “I’ve been avoiding medical check-ups for years because of the cost,” he admitted. “Today I got tested for free and even received advice from the doctors. I really appreciate Senator Dafinone for remembering ordinary people like us.”
The outreach, which marked the fourth phase of the senator’s Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Programme, was organised in partnership with the National Health Fellows, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). The exercise provided diabetes and hypertension checks, tuberculosis screening, eye examinations, and free distribution of reading glasses to residents.
According to the organisers, over 258 persons benefitted directly from the medical screenings, while 111 others received free eye examinations and glasses provided by CHAI, supervised by Austine Atori. The medical team also offered counselling and follow-up advice to participants diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, Hon. Victor Okito, the Liaison Officer for Uvwie Local Government Area, said the programme reflects Senator Dafinone’s deep commitment to accessible healthcare for all. “Our principal believes that health is the foundation of productivity,” he said. “This initiative is not politically motivated; it is purely a humanitarian effort aimed at improving community health standards.”
He further emphasized that the senator’s focus is on building a healthier Delta Central through preventive health interventions that reach those who need them most.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni (JP), and the Executive Secretary of the Uvwie Local Government Health Authority, Dr. Aghogho Owhojedo, represented by Dora Okoro and Rita Aleke, for their support and partnership throughout the programme.
In a statement from Senator Dafinone’s office, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the outreach across all eight local government areas of Delta Central, adding that subsequent phases would focus more on rural and underserved communities.
With each phase of the free medical outreach, Senator Dafinone’s dedication to public health continues to win the hearts of his constituents. His vision for a healthier Delta Central is being felt not through rhetoric, but through tangible actions that restore hope — one community, one patient, and one grateful smile at a time.
