More than 500 people have benefited from a free medical outreach by the NEWBEC Foundation, which called on the federal and state governments to prioritise the health of citizens, saying that this was one sure way for them to be productive citizens.
The event occurred around Uselu, Egor Local Government Area of Benin City, to mark the 2025 Valentine’s Day. Beneficiaries received free medical check-ups and eye tests, and over 150 free eyeglasses were distributed. Drugs were also supplied to those who needed them. Patients received X-rays, blood pressure checks, and sugar level checks.
Speaking at the event, the Foundation Manager, Titilayo Abiodun, commended the beneficiaries for coming out to take advantage of the free services and thanked God for the event, especially for being the pioneer edition at home, Benin City.
She also congratulated the beneficiaries of the events for taking their chances and advised them to imbibe the habit of giving. “We have discovered that many people don’t know their health status, and the ones who would want to know may not have the money, so the essence of this outreach is to draw these people and allow them to check themselves.
“There are those with eye problems, and those that need glasses will be given; it is a good thing to give because God did give and has commanded us to give. Hence, NEWBEC is appealing to the general public and corporate organisations to support the foundation’s vision by donating financially to our accounts.”
Also speaking, Ebodaghe Emmanuel, a senior manager of NEWBEC, said the foundation has operated since 2019. Beyond health issues, it is also related to education and skill development, economic empowerment, social equality inclusion, environmental sustainability, emergency relief, and support.
He said it also has collaborative initiatives with other NGOs, governments, policymakers, and educational institutions.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Glory Otabor, whose blood pressure was detected to be very high and quickly given some on-the-spot drugs to manage the situation, couldn’t hold back her tears, “I am just going about my routine life, unknown to me that I was suffering from such a diagnosis but I thank God for saving my life today with the intervention of NEWBEC who bought all these drugs in my hands and the one in my mouth” She said.
Also, Mr Fountain Ezekiel, given a free optical examination and free medicated eyeglasses, thanked the sponsors for remembering home at such a time. “I know how much this glass would have cost me in this economy if it were a clinic, so I thank them for coming to my rescue.”
