By: Jamiu Yakub Adebayo
On Saturday, 26th October 2025, I, Jamiu Yakub Adebayo, a Fellow of the National Health Fellows (NHF) representing Ilorin South Local Government Area, had the privilege of launching my Capstone Project as part of the NHF programme under the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
I chose to design my project around what matters most to me — improving access to healthcare at the community level. The project took the form of a free community medical outreach held at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Isale Asa, Ilorin South, Kwara State. From 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the centre buzzed with activity, warmth, and a shared sense of purpose.
The event brought together community leaders, health professionals, and residents united by one goal — promoting better health for all.
I was deeply honoured by the presence of several dignitaries who graced the occasion with their support and encouragement. Among them were Hon. Majeed Podo, Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government Area; Hon. Maryam Aladi, member representing Ilorin South Constituency, Kwara State House of Assembly ably represented by Hon. Muibat Jumoke; Hon. Jimoh Taibat Temitope, Honorable Councillor Balogun Fulani Ward 3 and Speaker Ilorin South Local Government Area Council; Alhaji Umar Baba, Imam Alfa Ibeji Mosque and Grand Chief Imam of Isale Asa and Khalifah Alhaji Arikewusola. Their presence, alongside that of Rtd. SP Raji Olororo, President of the Isale Asa Development Association, and the Chairman of the Ward Development Committee (Balogun Fulani Ward 3), Mallam Abdulhameed Abdulsalam, underscored the community’s commitment to health and wellbeing.
The outreach offered a range of essential health services, including free blood pressure and blood sugar checks, health education and counselling, and free medications. Common illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and malaria were also treated at no cost. In total, more than 150 residents benefited from the outreach, many of whom expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to access healthcare without financial stress. For me, seeing the smiles on people’s faces and hearing their words of appreciation was the most rewarding part of the day.
The medical team behind the success of the outreach was exceptional. Led by Dr. Buhari Olatunji Rasheed, the team included Mr. Ridwan Ishaq, Halima Ishaq, Ahmed Hameedah, Nurudeen Azeezat, Mahmud Maryam, and Dr. Soliu Olayinka Olomooba, a Senior Registrar at the Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex, who provided specialist support. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork ensured that every participant received quality care and attention.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported and believed in this project. My appreciation goes to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to improving community health; to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his leadership; and to the SWAp Desk Officer, Dr. Ola Ahmed Abdulkadir, for his continuous guidance. I am equally thankful to my mentor, Pharm. Salmat Aremu Abiodun, whose mentorship throughout the fellowship has been invaluable, and to Hon. Maryam Aladi for her generous financial support.
My heartfelt thanks also go to Hon. Majeed Podo, Hon. Jimoh Taibat Temitope, Hon. Muibat Jumoke, and other community leaders who honoured the event with their visits. I also appreciate the Matron of PHC Isale Asa, the Isale Asa Community Development Association, the Progressive Youth Association of Isale Asa, and all supporters and donors who contributed in one way or another.
One of the most promising outcomes of this project is its sustainability plan. Dr. Buhari Olatunji Rasheed has graciously agreed to collaborate with me to organize free community medical outreaches every three months in Isale Asa. This commitment means that the impact will go beyond a single event — it will continue to reach more people and strengthen the bond between the health system and the community.
On a personal note, I owe a special debt of gratitude to my dear wife, Lateefat Oyewole Opeyemi, for her unwavering support — both emotionally and financially. I also appreciate Shukurat Temitope Yakub for her help with publicity, and my siblings for their constant encouragement. This journey reminded me that true change begins with service.
Launching this project was more than just an assignment — it was a reaffirmation of my belief that good health starts at the grassroots. When communities come together to care, support, and act, the result is lasting impact. I left PHC Isale Asa that day with a heart full of gratitude and renewed determination to keep pushing for equitable, accessible healthcare for all.
