By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Wednesday provided free healthcare services to a Lagos community through its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD).
The outreach, the second in 2026, took place at the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Iruland (Oniru), Victoria Island in Eti Osa I Constituency of Lagos State.
The event had the theme: ‘Empowering Communities through Sustainable Healthcare Awareness’.
NYSC provided free medical consultations, free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, oral healthcare sensitisation, and preventive healthcare support services.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NYSC had a similar outreach at Oshodi-Isolo council area of the state in the first quarter of 2026.
NYSC provided Wednesday’s free services in partnership with Divine Dental Home, Medplus, SpaceTrade, and Cedacare Pharmacy.
The Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, said at the event that HIRD reflected NYSC’s commitment to delivering accessible healthcare services to underserved communities, while promoting healthy living.
Salmwang urged Lagos residents to prioritise their health by embracing regular medical checkups, preventive healthcare practices, and taking advantage of free medical outreaches to improve their health.
She emphasised that good health remained essential for productivity and overall wellbeing.
She said that healthcare awareness would significantly reduce preventable illnesses within communities.
According to her, HIRD remains one of NYSC’s important community development initiatives aimed at taking quality healthcare services directly to underserved communities and improving their general wellbeing.
During an oral health sensitisation session, Mr Samuel Olorunfemi of Divine Dental Home educated residents on oral hygiene practices and healthy lifestyles for stronger dentition and healthier gums.
He cautioned beneficiaries against brushing teeth with hard materials, warning that such a practice could damage gums and teeth.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace preventive dental healthcare measures.
Dr Ajala Ayooluwa, the President of Medical and Health Community Development Service in Eti-Osa I Constituency, enlightened participants on hand hygiene practices, urging them to seek regular medical checkups.
“We must cultivate healthy habits, especially regular hand washing and prompt medical consultations, because preventive healthcare remains the safest and most affordable protection against many avoidable illnesses,” Ayooluwa said.
In his remarks, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, commended NYSC for the outreach.
He described it as impactful and fundamental in delivering quality healthcare services directly to the community.
The royal father said that the dedication and humanitarian service of the NYSC were worthy of recognition.
He thanked the sponsors and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the outreach.
The outreach also featured fitness sessions, including aerobics. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
