The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, has raised serious concerns over the rising cost of healthcare services in Ogun State, warning that many lives are being lost due to the inability of citizens to afford medical treatment.
The monarch made this known during a free medical outreach held at the Olowu Palace in Abeokuta, organised to commemorate the 50th birthday and chieftaincy conferment of Asiwaju Olalekan Gbenga Oso.
Oba Matemilola lamented that the prevailing economic realities in the country have placed quality healthcare beyond the reach of the average Nigerian, thereby worsening mortality rates, particularly among the poor.
He called on affluent Nigerians and corporate organisations to complement government efforts by investing in healthcare delivery, stressing that such interventions would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable citizens.
The royal father urged wealthy individuals to channel resources into life-saving initiatives rather than ventures with little societal impact, noting that access to healthcare remains a fundamental human need.
He also commended the organisers of the outreach for their consistency and dedication to humanitarian service, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
Oba Matemilola further appealed to sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute meaningfully to improving the health and well-being of their people.
Speaking at the event, the celebrant, Asiwaju Olalekan Gbenga Oso, emphasised the urgent need for government at all levels to prioritise the provision of free or subsidised healthcare services for citizens.
He noted that worsening economic hardship has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to access even basic medical care, thereby deepening inequality in the health sector.
Oso explained that the outreach, which has been sustained annually for the past ten years, is part of his personal commitment to giving back to society and expressing gratitude to God for his life and accomplishments.
The three-day medical programme featured a wide range of free services, including eye examinations, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, and malaria screening.
Beneficiaries also received free medications, with medical personnel on ground to provide consultations and professional advice.
The outreach was facilitated by Mercyship Foundation in collaboration with the Olalekan Gbenga Oso O.G.O Initiative Foundation.
Medical experts, including Mr. Nnanna Victor Nwabueze of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and Dr. Mrs. Oladejo, were part of the team that attended to patients during the exercise.
Also present was Rev. S.O. Taiwo, Coordinator of Mercyship in Lagos and Ogun States, who played a key role in organising the programme.
Residents of Abeokuta and its environs turned out in large numbers to benefit from the initiative, with many expressing gratitude for the timely intervention.
Some beneficiaries described the outreach as a lifeline, noting that they would not have been able to afford the medical services under normal circumstances.
The event, held at the Aafin Olowu in Owu Kingdom, further highlighted the growing role of private and community-driven initiatives in bridging gaps within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
A beneficiary, Elder Kunle Adewale noted that such interventions, while commendable, underscore the need for more sustainable and systemic solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
He called for stronger collaboration between government, traditional institutions, and private individuals to improve healthcare access in the country.
The outreach formed part of activities marking the dual celebration of Oso’s 50th birthday and his conferment with a traditional title, drawing dignitaries from across Ogun State and beyond.
