Several natives and residents of Ile-Ife, in Osun State, especially people suffering from Urinary Tract Infections, UTIs, related diseases, were on Friday given free healthcare services, sponsored by Hopes Alive Initiative, HAI, in celebration of the birthday anniversary of the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The initiative, which held at the prominent Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, was sponsored by HAI, under the leadership of Princess Temitope Adesegun, to assist the poor and other vulnerable persons.
The exercise, which includes quality medical advice on the prevention, maintenance and complete cure of UTIs, played host to many beneficiaries, with special preference for the elderly and women.
Aside from the free medical checkup and advice, free drugs and other medications as recommended by doctors on ground were equally administered to the beneficiaries, who trooped in from all walks of life.
Beneficiaries, who took turns to be attended to, moved with enthusiasm from one phase of the exercise to the other, with prayers in their mouths for the management of HAI and the Oonirisa.
In her joyous mood, a 75-year-old beneficiary, who identified herself as Mrs. Stella Taiwo, expressed her heartfelt joy as she prayed fervently for the brain behind it.
She said, “I have been battling with pains for years because I could not afford the cost of treatment, but I am so happy that I am getting what should have cost me fortune for free.
“I so much thank the Ooni and HAI for this great idea, I wish him (the Ooni) a long reign on the throne of his ancestors.”
Speaking on behalf of HAI, Dr. Ese Oghene, explained that the initiative is one among many others structured to ensure that everyone is taken care of, regardless of the unequal economic status.
She added, “It is heartwarming to see that we are currently meeting people’s medical needs, especially those suffering from UTIs. This will be taken as a motivation to do more and make life better for all.
“We thank our father, the Ooni, for giving us this opportunity and we wish him a happy birthday. Long may he reign on the throne of Oduduwa.”
The medical outreach is the second of its kind in the line-up of events commemorating the Ooni’s birthday.
