PIBCID, NWTF Urge Kogi Residents to Prioritize Health for a Better Future

Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCID), in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), has called on kogite especially women in Kogi State to prioritize their health as a means of securing their own future and that of their children.

Executive Director of PIBCID, Mrs. Racheal Akande, made the call in Lokoja during a capacity-building training and free medical outreach for residents of Sarkin Norma, Zango, Felele, and Adankolo communities.

Akande explained that the programme, funded by the NWTF, was designed to provide free medical services and create awareness on the importance of early detection of health challenges.

“Our health is more important than the food we eat,” she said. “Most of the illnesses people are suffering from today are because they fail to check themselves early. We discovered that cases of hepatitis B and C are low in these communities, but there is a worrisome increase in cases of high blood pressure and low blood sugar.”

She further explained that the outreach does not only collect health statistics but also provides immediate support.

“We don’t just take data; we also provide drugs for those with critical conditions such as high blood pressure or low sugar levels, so they can stabilize before seeing a doctor for further treatment,” Akande added.

Akande commended the communities for turning out in large numbers, describing their participation as “a sign that people are becoming more aware of the need to take charge of their health.”

A community leader from Anejukwo Street in Adankolo, Nda Seidu Adu Madaki, expressed appreciation to PIBCID and NWTF for the gesture.

“This programme has lifted a huge burden off our shoulders,” he said. “Many of us cannot afford regular medical checks, but this outreach has given us hope and saved us money. We urge them to come back regularly so more people can benefit.”

The highpoint of the event was the free medical tests conducted for participants, including blood pressure checks, hepatitis B and C screening, and blood sugar level tests.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Ilemona from Felele, shared her relief after the exercise:“I didn’t know my blood pressure was so high. If I had not come today, I might not have found out until it was too late. I am grateful for this free medical outreach,” and promised to create awareness within her circles to avoid complicated health issues that may lead to untimely death or GVB cases she said.

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