By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
In a significant display of leadership and dedication to community welfare, Hon. Ishaya David Lalu, PhD, the representative for the Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency, has officially unveiled the 2024 Lalu Health Initiative.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with Eden Compassion and Health Missions International and supported by the Border Communities Development Agency, aims to provide free medical and surgical services to residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and neighboring areas.
During the launch event, Hon. Lalu reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to improving healthcare within his constituency. He also acknowledged the escalating economic challenges encountered by his constituents.
He stated “This initiative is not merely a healthcare project; it represents a transformative effort aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by our people.The essence of existence is interconnectedness, and true leadership lies in the ability to touch lives.”
“This health initiative, a free medical outreach, is a genuine way to make a difference as it directly concerns people’s well-being. The declining per capita income and rising poverty in Nigeria have significantly hindered access to healthcare. My goal is to bridge that gap.”
Hon. Lalu stressed that the provision of free medical services through this initiative would ease some of the community’s burdens, asserting that “health is wealth.”
He also expressed his profound gratitude to the healthcare professionals who volunteer their skills and time.He acknowledged that their dedication has inspired him to think beyond immediate needs, focusing on long-term improvements in healthcare.
In her remarks, Mrs. Alozie Sarah Ngozi, Assistant Chief Officer of Public Affairs and Protocols at the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), highlighted the agency’s important role in enhancing amenities and infrastructure in Nigeria’s border communities, often situated far from urban centers and neighboring countries like Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Benin.
Expressing her satisfaction with the ongoing medical outreach, she noted “My happiness today stems from witnessing government resources being utilized effectively here. Unfortunately, such supplies are often scarce in many areas, but the honorable member has gone above and beyond to ensure their availability. Seeing the supplies in stock and actively being distributed since morning is encouraging and indeed a welcome development”.
Leading the medical team, Dr. Dinfa Longbap, MD and CEO of Eden Compassion and Health Missions International, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration.
“After 15 years in this work, this is the first time I’m partnering with a representative. The biblical saying holds true when it comes to Hon. Lalu—his efforts go beyond mere visitation; he is providing essential surgical and medical interventions,” he stated.
Dr. Longbap provided insight into the financial impact of the medical outreach, detailing the value of the services being rendered.
“The estimated monetary value of the services exceeds 60 to 70 million naira. For goiter surgeries alone, we anticipated around 50,000 naira per case multiplied by 500 cases, approaching 30 million naira. Our medical team is also addressing gynecological cases, general surgeries, and conducting laboratory tests for conditions such as ulcers, typhoid, and malaria, alongside providing free medications for various health concerns. This effort is highly commendable,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Danat Mark, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, elaborated on the extensive scope of the initiative, which brings together specialists from various fields. He indicated that the team has already performed several significant surgeries on the first day and aims to carry out approximately 570 surgeries throughout the outreach period, ultimately benefiting nearly 12,000 individuals through various medical interventions.
Beneficiaries, including Reverend Habila Ayuba Dapel, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support received, particularly for addressing urgent health conditions. He commended Hon Lalu for responding to the community’s pressing needs, further emphasizing the positive sentiments surrounding Lalu’s election as their representative. In a show of support, Reverend Dapel vowed to continue praying for Lalu, wishing for divine blessings to empower him in his ongoing assistance to constituents.
