In many rural and semi-urban communities, healthcare is often inaccessible, either due to high costs or long distances to hospitals. As a result, conditions like high blood pressure and abnormal blood sugar levels remain undetected until they cause severe complications. Imagine living with a silent illness for years without knowing it. This is the reality for many. But what if early detection and simple counseling could change that story?
On July 12, 2025, the Queen Luciano Foundation, in collaboration with the Benson Adeyemi Foundation, took an important step to bridge this gap. Together, they organised a one-day health outreach in Akure, bringing free health screenings, counselling, and drug administration directly to the community.
Raising Awareness in the Isikan Market
The project began with an awareness campaign in the local markets on July 11th and continued on the morning of July 12th. Staff and volunteers of the respective foundations moved through the market spaces, speaking with traders, buyers, and passersby. With the help of an announcement band, the message was simple but powerful: “Come for free health checks,” “know your blood sugar, blood pressure, and receive medical guidance at no cost.”
The excitement was evident. Many traders promised to attend, eager to understand their health status. For some, this was their very first opportunity to hear about preventive healthcare. Consequently, many indicated interest in being present at the Iralepo’s Palace in Isikan.
The Outreach Day
By 9:00 am on July 12th, the chosen venue, within the Iralepo’s palace, Isinkan community, was already buzzing with activity. Chairs were neatly arranged, registration desks were set up, and medical volunteers were ready with their equipment. The community head welcomed us with open arms and made sure that we were very comfortable.
The outreach kicked off with a warm welcome, followed by registration of participants, most of whom were elderly men and women.
Some of the activities carried out by the attending doctors, nurses, and pharmacists included:
- Vital Signs Check: Participants had their blood pressure and blood sugar tested.
- Medical Consultations: After tests, they met with doctors and nurses for one-on-one consultations.
- Drug Administration: Basic medications were prescribed and administered on the spot.
- Health Education: A session on lifestyle, diet, and chronic disease prevention was delivered, encouraging participants to make small but powerful changes in their daily lives.
- Referrals: Critical cases were carefully referred to some government hospitals for further treatment.
Smiles and sighs of relief filled the atmosphere as participants left knowing more about their health than they did when they walked in.
Testimonies from the Community
The king of Isikan himself, who was also a beneficiary of the great initiative, expressed his profound gratitude to the Queen Luciano Foundation and Benson Adeyemi Foundation for being so thoughtful as to execute such a noble community project. He pledged his support to any community project that we wish to carry out in his community in the future. Testimonies were also obtained from some of his cabinet members.
Moreso, one elderly woman expressed her gratitude, saying she had “never checked her blood pressure in her entire life” until that day. Another participant, a man in his late 60s, discovered that his sugar level was abnormally high. He was counseled and referred for further care. This was an intervention that could potentially save his life.
Parents, traders, and retirees all left the venue with renewed hope and better knowledge of how to care for themselves and their families.
Why health screenings natter
The outreach underscored an important truth: prevention is better than cure. Simple checks like blood pressure and sugar tests can prevent strokes, heart attacks, kidney failures, and many avoidable deaths. In communities where healthcare access is a luxury, outreaches like this provide a lifeline.
By combining medical care, education, and empathy, the initiative not only improved health but also built trust and awareness within the community.
Wrapping up
The July outreach was beyond being a medical exercise. It was a reminder that health is a right, not a privilege. Queen Luciano Foundation and Benson Adeyemi Foundation remain committed to bringing healthcare closer to underserved communities.
As the outreach ended, both volunteers and beneficiaries carried home one message: when communities and organizations come together, lives are changed for the better.
