● Ogombo residents receive free treatment, eyeglasses
Leaders and residents of Ajah community in Lagos State have renewed their calls for the establishment of a General Hospital and the elevation of their traditional ruler, Baale Ismail Adewale, to the status of oba.
They believe these measures will drive development and improve living standards in the area. The appeal was made during a colourful celebration marking Baale Adewale’s 47th birthday, which brought together community stakeholders, political figures, and residents.
In his remarks, Baale Adewale stressed the urgent need for a functional General Hospital in Ajah to cater to the community’s growing population and healthcare demands. “We need hospitals, that’s the most important thing now, and more infrastructure. The state of the underbridge in Ajah is very messy. We are trying our best to keep the environment clean, but we need more support, especially with security and basic amenities,” he said.
He noted that while the community has worked hard to maintain peace and order, government intervention is crucial to enhancing security and ensuring a better living environment.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Eti-Osa Local Council, Biliaminu Akanbi, also supported the call for Baale Adewale’s elevation to oba.
“There has been a lot of development in Ajah under his leadership. The massive turnout here today shows how much the people love and support him. He treats everyone with respect and fairness. We are appealing to the government to elevate him to oba. That recognition will bring even more growth to the Ajah axis,” Akanbi said.
Kazeem Odunlami, Secretary-General of Ajah Community, commended Baale Adewale’s efforts in healthcare, noting that he has personally funded several free medical outreaches. “Our traditional ruler has been very proactive. From medical interventions to community support, he’s done a lot for the people. That’s why we are calling on the government to give us a General Hospital and also upgrade his traditional title,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Advancement Forum (HAF) delivered free medical care to residents of Ogombo Town in Ajah as part of its yearly outreach programme.
The outreach, held at the Old Ogudu Oshadi Palace, provided services such as malaria treatment, diabetes screening, hypertension checks, medical consultations, and the distribution of free eyeglasses.
With the theme “Health is Human Right,” the event aimed to bridge the gap between underserved communities and access to essential healthcare and educational support. HAF President, Anegbode Odion, explained that the organisation, now in its eighth year, remains committed to grassroots interventions.
“What we do is charity, charity, charity. We offer scholarships to vulnerable children and organise yearly medical outreaches like this one to help communities that need them the most,” he said.
While HAF does not operate a hospital, Odion noted that the group follows up on severe cases, providing sponsorship for treatment or surgery when necessary. “We are actively looking for sponsors and partners to help us reach more communities. Government cannot do it all. That’s why groups like ours step in,” he added.
Dr Gerald Chinaza, Head of HAF’s Medical Team, stated that the team prepares to attend to all residents during outreach events. “We came in with enough medication and personnel. From experience, we know to prepare for high numbers because the need in these areas is always great,” he said.
Beneficiaries, including Perpetual Ozor and Chief Samiliu Arebishola, expressed gratitude for the outreach. Ozor, who was treated for malaria and waist pain, described the intervention as timely. “I couldn’t afford to go to the hospital. This has been a blessing,” she said. Arebishola, who received prescription glasses, praised the initiative, calling it “the kind of support our community needs more often.”
