The Ikeja Club, Lagos, has marked its 60th anniversary by offering free health screening to residents of Ikeja and neighbouring communities.

The exercise was organised in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health as part of activities lined up to celebrate the club’s diamond jubilee.

From as early as 9:00 a.m., residents, members of the club and other beneficiaries trooped to the club premises to take advantage of the free medical services.

Members of the club’s executive and other stakeholders were also present at the outreach.

The large turnout delighted the club’s officials, who said the response demonstrated the importance of taking basic healthcare services closer to the people.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, particularly at a time when the rising cost of healthcare has made medical services increasingly difficult for many families to afford.

“At a time like this, when the cost of healthcare is so high, for an organisation to organise free screening is a rare feat and a thing of joy,” one of the beneficiaries said.

Others thanked the club’s management for the gesture and prayed for the organisation to achieve more milestones.

Speaking on the initiative, the President of Ikeja Club, Aare Musediq Adeleke, said the health outreach was one of several programmes organised to commemorate the club’s 60th anniversary.

“I’m very happy to do this kind of thing. We’re celebrating our 60th year, and on this occasion, we have to do important things for our community and Lagos at large,” Adeleke said.

He said other activities lined up for the anniversary included conferences, lectures, a walkathon and a

“Headers Night”, which featured a performance by Fuji music legend Ebenezer Obey on August 7.

Adeleke explained that the health outreach was designed to provide free medical services to members of the club and residents in neighbouring communities.

“For today’s programme, we’re providing free health services for our neighbours and all members of Ikeja Club. We did something similar last year, but this year we scaled it up,” he said.

According to him, the exercise covered screening for prostate and breast cancer, high blood pressure and eye conditions, with eyeglasses also provided to beneficiaries who needed them.

“We want people in the community to feel the impact of our club,” he added.

Adeleke said the programme was fully funded by Ikeja Club in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and did not receive corporate sponsorship.

“It’s part of our corporate social responsibility. We have paid for everything ourselves with the Lagos State Ministry of Health,” he said.

The club president said the initiative would be sustained and expanded in the years ahead, regardless of changes in the club’s leadership.

“What you’re seeing is just the beginning. Last year, we did it on a small scale. This year, it is bigger. By next year, it will be even bigger,” Adeleke said.

He added that the programme would continue beyond his tenure, with future executives expected to build on the initiative.

The 60th anniversary celebration of Ikeja Club, one of Lagos’ oldest social clubs, will continue throughout the year with more activities aimed at strengthening the club’s relationship with its host community.