………As Jakande Distributes Palliatives in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye to Mark His Birthday.
By Chigozie Eze and Emmanuel Clement
Ilupeju –In a significant move to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote social welfare, the Executive Chairman of Odi‑Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Dr.Seyi Jakande, has enrolled 1,000 vulnerable residents into a free healthcare plan as part of efforts to ensure equitable access to quality medical services.
Speaking during the event held at the Legacy Building within the Council Secretariat, Dr. Jakande described the initiative as a major milestone in the council’s governance journey and a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to dignity, equity, and accessible healthcare for all residents, regardless of social or economic background.
He emphasized the Yoruba adage, “Ilera l’oro,” meaning “health is wealth,” noting that good health remains essential for achieving personal aspirations and community development.
According to him, the healthcare initiative aligns with the council’s HEEWA Agenda, a people-centered development blueprint that places healthcare at the core of governance and sustainable growth.
Dr. Jakande explained that the enrollment of 1,000 vulnerable residents into the free healthcare plan represents governance in action, stressing that the initiative is not an act of charity but a deliberate effort to ensure justice and inclusiveness in healthcare delivery.
Beneficiaries of the scheme will have access to free medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare services, as well as preventive medical examinations aimed at improving health outcomes across the community.
Investigator news reports that the free health plan also covers dental care, surgeries, emergency services, telemedicine, specialist care, child welfare, eye care, family planning, and hospital admission.
The Chairman also disclosed that the council recently completed a new Primary Healthcare Centre in Kayode to expand access to medical services and bring healthcare closer to residents, particularly those in underserved areas.
He added that the administration is upgrading healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and introducing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems across all primary healthcare centers to improve service efficiency and patient care.
“We are building a system where no resident is left behind. From the cradle to old age, our people deserve care that is modern, reliable, and compassionate,” he added.
He further highlighted the administration’s shift toward preventive healthcare through community outreach programmes, immunization drives, health education, and routine screenings.
Recently, the council partnered with Eko Club Atlanta and Precious Sight Foundation UK to conduct a free medical outreach, providing healthcare services and free eyeglasses to over 1,000 residents.
Dr. Jakande noted that the healthcare cards issued to beneficiaries symbolize hope and assurance, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of residents.
He also commended partners and stakeholders for their collaboration, emphasizing the importance of sustained partnerships in expanding the initiative.
As part of activities marking his birthday, Dr. Jakande also distributed palliatives to all beneficiaries enrolled in the health plan, further demonstrating his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents.
He assured residents that the enrollment of 1,000 beneficiaries is only the beginning, promising that more lives will be transformed, more families protected, and more hope rekindled through sustained healthcare and welfare initiatives.
“Healthcare is not a privilege for the few; it is a right for all. Today, we are not just celebrating my birthday — we are celebrating life, dignity, and justice for our people,” he declared.
Speaking with newsmen, the former Council Chairman, Hon.Rasaq Ajala, praised Dr Jakande for his impactful leadership and commitment to grassroots development, describing him as a focused and compassionate leader who has demonstrated capacity across multiple sectors.
“It is a commendable program and initiative,he has done excellently well in attending to the needs of the people. There is no sector he has not established his footprints — from road construction to environmental sanitation, healthcare delivery, and educational development,”he stated.
He further noted that Dr.Jakande’s leadership style reflects continuity, experience, and dedication to service.
“I am proud to see the transformation happening in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye today. When he served as Deputy Chairman, he showed commitment and loyalty, and now as Chairman, he is delivering results that are visible and impactful. This healthcare initiative is another testimony that the people are in safe hands,”
“You will agree with me that local government area is about grassroot people,so what we have done in Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye LCDA is to ensure that whatever we want to do must be achievable and this started when I was the Chairman and the current chairman was my deputy,we ensured that all our programs resonate the actual needs of our people,so I am not surprised with what the current chairman is doing as he is surpassing my achievements.”Ajala added
On the birthday celebration,Hon Ajala prayed that God almighty will continue to guide and protect him, give him more wisdom on how to pilot the affairs of Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye LCDA.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodun, described the initiative as a core responsibility of responsive governance.
He stressed that improving the health and wellbeing of citizens at the grassroots level is essential for building human capacity and enhancing productivity.
Fatodun noted that the chairman’s intervention goes beyond immediate relief, as it contributes to the long-term development of the community. He urged members of the media to intensify advocacy on health awareness, encouraging residents to take their wellbeing seriously.
He also congratulated Jakande on his birthday, wishing him continued success.
Lending her voice,the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ambibola Folani, commended the Executive Chairman for prioritizing healthcare and urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
She explained that the healthcare plan which is an implementation of the state Ilera Eko health insurance scheme would significantly reduce financial burdens and improve early detection and treatment of illnesses.
“This initiative is a golden opportunity for our people. We encourage beneficiaries to embrace this programme, attend regular check-ups, and utilize the services available. Prevention is always better than cure, and this scheme will help many families stay healthy,” she said.
Dr. Folani also assured residents that the council’s healthcare facilities are fully prepared to deliver quality services, noting that trained personnel and improved equipment are already in place.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed gratitude to the Chairman for enrolling them into the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.
Mrs. Adeola Ogunleye, a petty trader, described the initiative as life-changing, noting that accessing healthcare had been difficult due to financial constraints.
“This is a big relief for me and my family. Now I can take my children to the hospital without worrying about money. I thank the Chairman for remembering people like us,” she said.
Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, an artisan, also applauded the initiative, describing it as a thoughtful intervention.
“This is the first time I am benefiting from a health insurance scheme. It shows the Chairman truly cares about the welfare of the people,” he stated.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ngozi Okafor, commended the Chairman for extending the programme to vulnerable residents.
“This card represents hope for many of us. We appreciate the Chairman for putting smiles on our faces,” she added.
Investigator news gathered that the event was attended by dignitaries including the former Council Chairman,Hon. Rasaq Ajala, Hon. Gbeminiyi Awodogan,Mrs. Bimpe Jakande, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, Mrs. Mojisola Ogabi, Hon. Lekan Adeyi, legislative members, councillors, party leaders, religious leaders,women leaders.,Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye youths and representatives of National Association of Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye Tertiary Students (NAOTS) among others.
Highlight of the event was presentation of a birthday cake to the chairman marking his birthday ceremony.