Eko Club International (ECI), a prominent association of Lagos indigenes in the Diaspora, has extended free medical services to more than 6,000 vulnerable residents across Lagos State.
Chief Saheed Olushi, ECI’s President, highlighted the remarkable impact of this outreach during a press briefing at a dinner held in honor of the initiative at the palace of the Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Abdul-Hammed Oorelope-Laka. The dinner celebrated the club’s 2024 Medical Mission, which provided free health check-ups, medications, and treatments across multiple Lagos communities.
The latest intervention, organized in collaboration with Omo Adugbo Egbeda Association, a local community group, focused on Egbeda in Alimosho Local Government Area.
The ECI president shared, “This is a project we’ve pursued since 2007 to give back to our community. During this year’s mission, we’ve been able to reach around 6,000 people. We are also facilitating corrective surgeries, with the first 10 patients undergoing treatment at the Lagos General Hospital right now.” He further emphasized that ECI’s mission is supported by 25 international chapters, including those in Canada, the UK, and the US, who regularly contribute resources for the welfare of Lagos residents.
ECI’s contributions went beyond medical consultations. In partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the club also delivered medical equipment and supplies valued at millions of dollars to local hospitals.
During the 2024 mission, communities such as Oko Faaji in Lagos Island, Egbeda, Ipaja-Ayobo in Alimosho, Ikosi-Ejinri in Epe, and Ipakodo in Ikorodu were served, with ongoing care efforts beginning on November 2. ECI plans to distribute additional relief items to underprivileged groups on Friday before their members return to their countries of residence.
Chief Olushi also highlighted ECI’s commitment to long-term community support, noting the club’s contributions in scholarships and food palliatives for children and families in need.
“Our members in the UK, Canada, and the US continue to dedicate their time and resources to support these outreach programs. We remain committed to assisting underserved communities and easing the suffering of our people,” Olushi stated.
Community leaders echoed the sentiments of gratitude. Chief Sunday Obisesan, the Atona-Odo of Egbeda Kingdom and President of Omo Adugbo Egbeda Association, praised ECI’s humanitarian work, calling it a perfect alignment with his association’s goals. Elder Akindele Ojo (JP), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Omo Adugbo Egbeda Association, expressed appreciation for ECI’s support, stating that the outreach lifted a heavy burden off the shoulders of hundreds of residents. He urged the government to consider drug subsidies for life-saving medications to support those struggling with chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.
Several beneficiaries, including Messrs Adeleke Adekoya, Abolaji Sode, and Mrs. Olayinka Ogunsola, thanked ECI for its compassion and life-changing interventions.
Reflecting on the initiative, Oba Abdul-Hammed Orelope-Laka, the Elegbeda of Egbeda Kingdom, commented, “Seeing Eko Club International come together to support our people is deeply motivating. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we care for one another.”