The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, United States of America branch (IEDPU USA), in collaboration with the Ilorin Emirate Medical Doctors and the National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organisations (NCNMO), has launched a medical outreach aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of Ilorin Emirate and neighbouring communities.

The outreach, unveiled during a press conference at the IEDPU national headquarters, Geri Alimi, Ilorin, attracted community leaders, medical volunteers, diaspora representatives and members of the media.

Chairman of IEDPU USA, Lanre Abaya, described the programme as part of the organisation's commitment to giving back to the community and improving the wellbeing of the people.

The initiative, according to him, was organised in collaboration with volunteer medical professionals from the United States of America.

He added that the outreach would cater for people suffering from ailments such as hypertension and other health-related conditions.

"This programme is basically to give back to the community. Many people are in need of medical support and we believe this is one of the ways to reach out to them. We have volunteers from the United States who are here to support this mission and ensure that our people receive quality healthcare services," Abaya said.

He added that awareness campaigns had commenced through radio and television platforms to mobilise residents in the emirate to take advantage of the free medical services.

He commended members of the organising committee, volunteers and supporters for their commitment towards ensuring the success of the programme.

Also speaking, the Field Chairman of IEDPU USA Health Committee, Ahmed Al-Bakr, stated that the medical mission was an expansion of similar interventions carried out in previous years.

He disclosed that the outreach would include direct consultations, health screenings, medical counselling and community sensitisation programmes, stressing that the organisers were determined to reach people at the grassroots irrespective of religion or social status.

"This is not just a one-time intervention. It is a signature humanitarian programme that we intend to sustain yearly. We have mobilised personnel and 9,000 volunteers to spread the message and ensure wider participation," he said.

Delivering the presidential remarks on behalf of the national president of IEDPU, Alhaji Umar Kayode Arikuyo described the initiative as a demonstration of the enduring bond between the Ilorin Emirate and its sons and daughters in the diaspora.

Arikuyo noted that the IEDPU had always stood for welfare, unity and progress, adding that healthcare remained one of the most important pillars of community development.

"There is no greater expression of welfare than safeguarding the health of our people. Even while living abroad, our brothers and sisters have not forgotten home. Through this collaboration with NCNMO, they are bringing healthcare services directly to the people," he stated.

He charged members of the media to amplify awareness about the outreach locations and schedules to enable more residents to benefit from the intervention.

Addressing journalists, Alhaji K. Quadri stated that the medical outreach represented only one aspect of broader developmental programmes being championed by the association, noting that the organisation remained committed to sustaining community-focused initiatives.

In her remarks, Dr Fatimoh expressed appreciation to the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the mission, describing the outreach as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and service to humanity.