Babcock University Alumni Provide Medical Care, Relief Items to Makoko Residents
The Alumni Community and Philanthropy Unit of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, has organised an outreach programme for residents of the Makoko community in Yaba, Lagos State, providing free medical services and relief materials to underserved residents.
The outreach, aimed at delivering healthcare, food items, clothing, toiletries and other basic necessities, was led by the Associate Vice President, Alumni Community and Philanthropy, Dr. Jonathan Dangana, alongside members of his team.
As part of the programme, Dr. Dangana paid a courtesy visit to the Baale of Makoko, Chief Steven Adji Migbe Hove I, where he explained the purpose of the visit and presented a gift pack to the traditional ruler. He said the initiative was designed to share love and support with the community, stressing that the team came to give, not to take.
According to him, the outreach featured qualified medical personnel who offered free medical consultations, eye care services and medications, while food items, clothing and toiletries were distributed to residents.
Responding, the Baale commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He noted that many residents had not seen a doctor or visited a hospital in the past two to three years due to financial challenges.
“Most of us here cannot afford hospital bills. Having doctors come to us for free today makes me very happy. I wish this kind of programme could happen every month,” he said, while also highlighting challenges such as lack of potable water, electricity and proper housing.
Speaking further, Dr. Dangana explained that the outreach, tagged “Hail Babcock: Put a Smile on Someone’s Face,” was organised to bring relief to vulnerable members of society, particularly residents of Makoko who lack access to basic amenities.
He disclosed that the programme would be sustained annually over the next five years to expand its reach and impact, noting that current economic realities have made it difficult for many Nigerians to meet basic needs.
Dr. Dangana also commended Babcock University students, especially undergraduates, for donating food items, toiletries, funds and other resources to ensure the success of the outreach. He said the excitement of children who received items such as biscuits and ice cream underscored the importance of compassion and giving.
He added that the Makoko outreach was the second edition for the year, following a similar programme held in August, with lessons from the first edition helping to improve planning and execution.
Explaining the choice of Makoko, Dr. Dangana said the community serves as a reminder of shared humanity, noting that many basic necessities taken for granted elsewhere remain out of reach for residents, including nursing mothers and children who have lacked access to medical care for long periods.
The outreach also included a spiritual support component, with a team of pastors offering prayers and encouragement to residents. Dr. Dangana acknowledged the support of partners, including UAC and Maltina, and appreciated the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Olufunde Ojewole, for his backing of the initiative.
