ETHIOPE WEST/Nigeria: Residents of Ethiope West Local Government Area received a lifeline on Saturday, October 4, 2025, as the Delta Central Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach, an initiative of Senator Ede Dafinone in partnership with the National Health Fellows, offered free medical care and health education to the community. Over 120 people benefitted from free diabetes and hypertension screenings, tuberculosis testing, counseling, and medications during the one-day exercise.
The programme, which forms part of a larger health intervention across Delta Central, was designed to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management while ensuring that residents, especially those in rural areas, have access to essential healthcare services. Health officials described the turnout as “inspiring,” noting the high level of community participation and gratitude from beneficiaries.
Flagging off the exercise, the National Health Fellow for Ethiope West, Prudence Emudianughe, said the outreach reflected Senator Dafinone’s vision for a healthier and more informed constituency. “The Senator’s heart for the people speaks volumes. Many here cannot afford basic tests, but today they’re getting them free,” she stated. “This is what it means for leadership to meet people where they are.”
Representing Senator Dafinone at the event, Mr. Nathan Ofomala emphasized the Senator’s commitment to sustainable healthcare initiatives rather than token gestures. “Senator Dafinone believes access to healthcare should not depend on social status,” he said. “Preventive health is far cheaper than curative health, and that’s why we’re going round all eight local governments to reach those who need it most.”
Delivering a health talk on diabetes management, Dr. Abeke Kingsley, Executive Secretary of the Ethiope West Local Government Health Authority, enlightened participants on the causes, symptoms, and prevention of diabetes. He urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles and monitor their health regularly. “A healthy lifestyle is your best insurance,” Dr. Abeke advised. “Check your blood sugar regularly, eat less processed sugar, and take walks every day. Small changes make a big difference.”
The lecture quickly turned interactive as participants asked practical questions on diet, exercise, and medication. Dr. Abeke reassured them that diabetes could be managed effectively with early detection and discipline. “If you know your numbers and take your drugs, you can live long and strong,” he said.
Throughout the outreach, residents received blood sugar and blood pressure checks, tuberculosis screening, and free medications. Pharmacists and nurses worked tirelessly to ensure every participant received adequate attention. For many, it was their first-ever medical screening.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sunday Ufuoma, expressed gratitude to Senator Dafinone for the life-changing opportunity. “This is my first time getting tested for diabetes. I’ve been feeling weak for months, but now I know what to do. God bless Senator Dafinone for remembering us,” he said.
Another participant, Mrs. Rukevwe Ebireri, a petty trader, shared her relief after testing negative for diabetes. “I sell garri and sugar every day but never knew the danger of too much sugar,” she said with a smile. “The doctors explained everything clearly. I’ve learnt a lot today.”
Health volunteers who coordinated the programme also spoke on the emotional impact of the outreach. “What touched me most was the gratitude from the elderly,” said Nurse Oghenefejiro Ude. “Many had never checked their blood pressure before. You could see the relief and happiness on their faces.”
By mid-afternoon, the event closed with songs of appreciation from participants. Emudianughe, in her closing remarks, thanked the Ethiope West Health Authority for its collaboration and pledged that the team would continue the medical mission across all eight local governments in Delta Central. “This is only the second stop,” she said. “Health should never be a privilege — it’s a right.”
For the people of Ethiope West, the outreach was more than a medical campaign — it was a message of hope. As Mr. Ofomala summed it up, “When you save a life, you build a stronger community. That’s the legacy Senator Dafinone is leaving behind.”
