By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja –
In a bid to address healthcare challenges in Nigeria, the PISTIS Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with the Elevation Church, has launched a free medical outreach in Abuja.
This initiative, known as the Ubomi Outreach, aims to provide essential medical services to economically disadvantaged individuals who struggle to afford healthcare.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday, Executive Director of PISTIS Empowerment Foundation, Leonard F. Thomas, noted that the Foundation is a non-profit social enterprise vehicle established to be a model provider of empowerment opportunities to economically challenged communities.
He highlighted the growing trend of brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, noting that the UBOMI medical and surgical outreach has been established to bridge that gap.
“We do this annually. We’ve successfully run five medical outreaches across different spectrums in Nigeria. Usually the outreach runs for a span of five days where we’re able to gather between 200 to 350 medical volunteers and non-medical volunteers who serve during that period.
“Within that space of five days, the plan usually is to serve as much as between 4,000 and 5,000 individuals from all walks of life. Since the inception of Ubomi in March 2019, we have conducted close to 30,000 medical interventions, ranging from eye care to critical surgeries,” Thomas said.
He emphasized the importance of post-operative care, explaining, “For each patient undergoing major surgery, we have a structure for post-operation care, ensuring they receive treatment for up to six weeks after the outreach.”
While appreciating the government for its support, Thomas called for a collective effort of citizens in building a better Nigeria, especially in the health sector.
“My advice of course to the government whether state or federal and anyone if you have the power to make changes in your space, it’s imperative that we are mindful that there is no other Nigeria, there is no other place you can call home. It takes Nigerians to make Nigeria better. Give it your best and ensure that you are serving with heart, with purpose and for mankind.
Also speaking, Resident Pastor of the Elevation Church, Abuja, Bowale Ikotun,
expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are partnering with PISTIS Foundation, which is organizing this medical outreach. This is the sixth Ubomi Outreach, and it is the first one being held in Abuja.”
He noted the dire state of healthcare in Nigeria, saying, “Many people cannot afford even primary healthcare, let alone secondary or tertiary care. Our goal is to impact the community significantly through this initiative.”
A Team Lead and a member of the Elevation Church in Abuja, Ladisi Aje explained that ‘Ubomi’ is a Swahili word meaning ‘Life’, and this medical outreach initiative aims to provide free healthcare services to underprivileged individuals.
Regarding logistics and venue selection, Aje, who serves as the team lead of the mission and counseling team, explained that they chose a spacious location to accommodate various medical specialists. The church has arranged transportation from different communities, including Jabi and Kado, to ensure accessibility for underprivileged individuals.
The Project Manager for the Ubomi Abuja Outreach, Koko Ikpe, shared her excitement about the event, stating, “We are thrilled to be able to do this.
Our church believes in community service, and we want to be our brother’s keeper, especially in these challenging economic times. We aim to provide complete healing—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—through this outreach,” Ikpe noted.
Head of the Partnership Committee for Ubomi Outreach Abuja, Talle Davidson,
expressed gratitude for the outreach’s success, stating, “I am super grateful to God for the opportunity to provide free medical consultations and supplies to those in need. However, there is still more that can be done, especially in addressing the brain drain of medical professionals in Nigeria.” He urged the government to support organizations like PISTIS Foundation to enhance their outreach efforts.
Medical Team Lead, Dr. Araromi Mofiyinfoluwa Nathaniel, noted the challenges faced during the event but expressed optimism about its success. “We are hoping to reach about a thousand people today, and so far, we have already attended to over a hundred individuals,” he said.
He commended the government’s recent efforts to improve healthcare but emphasized the need for collaborative initiatives like the Ubomi Outreach.
Head of the Men’s Ministry at Elevation Church, Michael Musa, highlighted the importance of the outreach, stating, “As a faith-based organization, we felt it was essential to provide free healthcare services to the people of Abuja. While this year’s outreach focuses on basic health checks, future initiatives will include surgeries and more comprehensive care.”
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed their gratitude for the services provided. Angela Omakoji described her experience as “efficient and beneficial,” stating, “I appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to receive basic medical checkups.”
Another beneficiary, Sanni Nazir, echoed her sentiments, saying, “I am overwhelmed by the support provided today. Initiatives like this are crucial for our community, and I sincerely appreciate what Ubomi is doing.”
The Ubomi Outreach in Abuja marks a significant step towards improving healthcare access for underprivileged individuals, showcasing the power of collaboration between faith-based organizations and community-focused initiatives.
