Hon. Ishaya David Lalu, Ph.D., the member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, in collaboration with the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), has initiated a free medical outreach to his constituents.
Speaking on the motivation behind this health initiative, Dr. Lalu highlighted the importance of leadership that directly impacts people’s lives. He emphasized that touching lives is a core responsibility in leadership, especially through health interventions, stating that health initiatives like this outreach provide meaningful support by addressing healthcare challenges.
Lalu expressed his concern over the increasing rate of poverty and the declining per capita income in Nigeria, which has made access to healthcare more difficult for his constituents. This reality, he explained, motivated him to bridge the gap by offering free healthcare services. “The reason for this free medical outreach is to ensure that my people have access to health services, as we say, health is wealth,” he said. He further stressed that the program’s focus is to improve the well-being of the community.
During the outreach, Hon. Lalu acknowledged the dedication of the medical practitioners who volunteered to serve the people without any financial motivation. He noted that their commitment had inspired him to plan for an expanded health program next year. “Sincerely, it encouraged me. It humbled me. It makes me think outside the box to see what I can do beyond the budget by next year,” he remarked, recognizing their sacrifice.
Mrs. Alozie Sarah Ngozi, team lead from the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), highlighted the vital role of the agency in bridging the gap between the government and remote communities located at international borders. The BCDA provides essential services like infrastructure, healthcare, and social amenities to underserved regions bordering neighboring countries, demonstrating the government’s commitment to reaching out to these remote populations.
Speaking on the specific interventions provided during the medical outreach, Mrs. Ngozi noted that healthcare is a critical area of focus for the BCDA. In partnership with Hon. Dr. Ishaya David Lalu, the agency provided free medical services, including malaria drugs, antibiotics, anti-hypertensive medications, and various health screenings.
Mrs. Ngozi expressed her happiness with the success of the initiative, praising the honorable member for ensuring the availability of drugs and medical supplies, which were otherwise lacking in the healthcare centers. She encouraged other government bodies to follow suit, stressing that healthcare is essential for a nation’s well-being, and this effort serves as a model for effective governmental intervention.
Dr. Longbap Dinfa, the team lead for the medical outreach, expressed his deep appreciation for Hon. Ishaya David Lalu’s efforts in organizing the free healthcare initiative. Dr. Dinfa, who has been involved in similar medical projects for over 15 years, noted that this is the first time his organization has partnered with a representative.
He commended Lalu for going beyond the typical responsibilities of a leader by offering not just medical consultations but also surgical interventions, including cataract extractions, benefiting many in the community. He expressed hope that other representatives would follow Lalu’s example.
In discussing the scale of the outreach, Dr. Dinfa highlighted the extensive range of medical services provided, from cataract surgeries to gynaecological procedures like uterine fibroid and ovarian cyst removals. He estimated the overall value of the intervention at 60 to 70 million naira, given the high number of surgeries and treatments conducted. Additionally, he noted the inclusion of laboratory investigations, further enhancing the impact of the outreach on the community.
Following the medical outreach in multiple hospitals, a patient named Nanman Redshack thanked Hon. Dr. Ishaya Lalu. She applauded his kindness and hoped that others will be encouraged to help their communities in the same way. Nanman explained that she had been unable to afford medical treatment prior to the outreach, and Lalu’s intervention offered the vital support she required to receive competent care for free.
Reverend Habila Ayuba Dapel, a retired pastor, expressed his gratitude for Hon. Dr. Ishaya Lalu’s medical outreach, which provided much-needed assistance for his eye condition. He commended Lalu for addressing the community’s urgent needs, stating that the people made no mistake in electing him. Reverend Dapeng also assured continued prayers for Lalu, asking for God’s blessings to empower him to do even more for his constituents.
