Akpabio Initiative Delivers Free Healthcare to 700 Lagos Residents

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Residents of Surulere, Lagos State, on Saturday received a major boost in access to healthcare as the Akpabio Cares Initiative rolled out a free medical outreach targeting no fewer than 700 beneficiaries.

The development, according to a statement from the Senate President Media Office, underscored a growing push to expand grassroots health interventions across the country.

The outreach, organised under a philanthropic programme driven by the Office of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, offered free medical consultations.

Essential drugs and eyeglasses were also distributed to vulnerable members of the community, many of whom turned out in large numbers to access the services.

The Surulere intervention marked the third edition of the initiative in two years, following similar medical outreaches in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yankaba, Kano State, reinforcing its expanding national footprint.

Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Akpabio Cares Initiative and Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, described the outreach as part of a deliberate effort to give back to society through improved access to healthcare.

“We are doing this as a way of giving back to society, and we believe that the best gift anyone can give is good health,” Mustapha said.

He further disclosed that the Lagos outreach was designed to reach about 700 residents with free consultations, medications and corrective eyeglasses.

Addressing questions on why the programme was held in Lagos rather than Senator Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom, Mustapha said the initiative reflected the national character of the Senate President’s office.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President for the whole of Nigeria, and his impact must be felt across the country,” he explained.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful amid rising healthcare costs.

One of the beneficiaries said the initiative had brought much-needed relief to the community.

He added, “We are grateful to Senator Akpabio for remembering us and reaching out to this community. We pray that God will strengthen him.”

Another beneficiary highlighted the role of Mustapha, a native of the area, noting that his appointment had translated into tangible benefits for the community.

Mustapha announced that the next phase of the Akpabio Cares Initiative would move to the North Central geopolitical zone, as the programme continues its mission of delivering accessible healthcare as part of its broader social responsibility across Nigeria.