On October 1, 2025, the Primary Health Centre in Sapele buzzed with anticipation as the Delta Central Diabetes Sensitisation and Medical Outreach officially commenced. Sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone in collaboration with the National Health Fellows, what started as a targeted health awareness initiative rapidly evolved into a comprehensive medical campaign that spanned all eight local government areas (LGAs) of Delta Central: Sapele, Ethiope West, Ethiope East, Okpe, Uvwie, Udu, Ughelli North, and Ughelli South. Over the course of several weeks, this program delivered free screenings, consultations, and treatments to more than 2,000 residents, uncovering hidden health crises and fostering a profound sense of community trust in leadership. The outreach not only provided immediate medical relief but also educated participants on preventive care, emphasizing the critical role of early detection in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and tuberculosis.
The journey began in Sapele, where approximately 180 individuals converged at the local health center. For many, this marked their inaugural encounter with diabetes or blood pressure testing. Mrs. Grace Omamogho, a 54-year-old trader, exemplified the transformative impact when she discovered her elevated blood sugar levels. "I never knew my sugar was high until today," she shared, her voice laced with newfound resolve. "This programme has opened my eyes. I will now watch what I eat and take my health seriously." The event's efficiency, even amid resource constraints, highlighted its potential, with three emergency cases receiving prompt interventions. Residents hailed it as "a gift that saves lives," setting an inspirational precedent for the subsequent stops.
Moving to Ethiope West, the outreach maintained its momentum with over 220 beneficiaries engaging in thorough testing and personalized counseling sessions. Local medical professionals, alongside National Health Fellows, guided participants through the process. Mr. Moses Aghogho, a grateful recipient, praised the initiative's post-election commitment. "Senator Dafinone has done what many politicians forget to do after elections—he came back to care for us," he remarked. "They checked my blood sugar and gave me advice on how to manage it. This is real leadership." The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, reinforcing the program's role in bridging the gap between policymakers and the populace.
In Ethiope East's Isiokolo community, inclement weather failed to deter participation. Despite heavy rainfall, more than 250 residents underwent screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and tuberculosis. A poignant testimony came from a middle-aged man managing Type 1 diabetes for 17 years. His trembling voice conveyed years of neglect: "For years, I felt forgotten. But today, I see that someone remembers us. Senator Dafinone has shown that he truly cares about our health." This resilience in the face of adversity underscored the outreach's unwavering dedication to accessibility.
The program continued its impactful trajectory in Okpe LGA at the Aghalokpe Primary Health Centre, where over 230 people received care. Alarmingly, 40 individuals recorded blood sugar levels exceeding 300 mg/dl, signaling severe risks. Mrs. Agnes Efe, a 62-year-old widow, found solace in her diagnosis. "I’ve been feeling weak and dizzy for months," she explained. "I thought it was just old age. However, the doctor said my blood sugar level is very high. I am grateful for this free checkup—I could have died without knowing." Her story illuminated the life-saving potential of proactive health interventions in underserved areas.
Uvwie's session at the Council Secretariat Hall in Effurun introduced an innovative element: eye care services. Partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the team distributed free reading glasses to 111 participants, many of whom were elderly. Mrs. Rita Okoro, aged 70, radiated joy upon receiving hers. "I can now read my Bible again," she beamed. "May God bless Senator Dafinone for remembering us elders." Collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities ensured a professional yet empathetic delivery, enhancing the program's holistic approach.
In Udu, at the Orhuwhorun Primary Health Centre, nearly 200 residents benefited from diabetes testing, blood pressure monitoring, and family planning education. Mr. Ejiro Agbamu, a 45-year-old motor mechanic, admitted his decade-long neglect of health checks. "I have not checked my blood pressure in ten years," he confessed. "Now I know it’s high, and the doctors have told me what to do. This is not politics—it’s love in action." Such admissions highlighted the outreach's success in encouraging behavioral changes.
Ughelli North saw the initiative gain even greater traction, with 250 screenings conducted despite rainfall. The local council chairman, Olorogun Barr. Jaro Egbo, commended it as "a true model of people-centred governance." Mrs. Mary Ovwigho, newly diagnosed with hypertension, expressed profound gratitude: "I didn’t know why I was always dizzy. Now I know my BP is high, and I’ve been given drugs. I thank Senator Dafinone for saving my life." The event's scale reflected growing community buy-in.
The culmination in Ewu, Ughelli South, was nothing short of triumphant. Over 230 participants accessed free tests, consultations, medications, and 104 pairs of reading glasses. Community leader Chief Emmanuel Oteri captured the sentiment: "This is the first time we are seeing such care in Ewu. Senator Dafinone has shown what representation should look like—service to humanity." The closing ceremony brimmed with elation, symbolizing the program's completion across the senatorial district.
Throughout the eight LGAs, a unifying thread of gratitude wove through countless testimonies. Residents, particularly the elderly and those from low-income backgrounds, had rarely experienced structured medical care. "When a Senator brings doctors to your doorstep, it means he values your life," noted Mrs. Onome Ekakitie from Udu. "This is how leaders should serve." Health experts lauded the model for community-based preventive healthcare. Dr. Ighovo Tega of Ughelli North observed, "This outreach bridges the gap between health policy and real people. It shows that when leaders prioritise health, communities thrive." The involvement of multiple stakeholders—the Senator’s office, National Health Fellows, WHO, CHAI, and local health authorities—fostered seamless execution.
Yet, the outreach unveiled stark realities: hundreds grappled with undiagnosed high blood sugar or pressure, while dozens required tuberculosis follow-ups. Early detection emerged as a pivotal theme, potentially averting fatalities and reducing long-term healthcare burdens.
Senator Ede Dafinone's endeavor transcended political rhetoric, establishing a paradigm where compassion drives governance. From Sapele's inaugural screenings to Ewu's tearful farewells, the Delta Central Diabetes Sensitisation and Medical Outreach—spanning Sapele (180 beneficiaries), Ethiope West (220+), Ethiope East (250+), Okpe (230+ with 40 critical cases), Uvwie (250+ including 111 glasses), Udu (198), Ughelli North (250), and Ughelli South (230+ with 104 glasses)—touched over 2,000 lives. It reaffirmed that effective leadership pulses with humanity, prioritizing heartbeats over headlines and proving that true public service begins with empathy and action.
This initiative not only addressed immediate health needs but also ignited a broader conversation on sustainable healthcare access in Delta Central. By empowering residents with knowledge and resources, it planted seeds for healthier futures, demonstrating that when leaders invest in people, societies flourish. The ripple effects—renewed hope, managed conditions, and restored faith—will endure long after the medical teams departed, etching Senator Dafinone's legacy as one of genuine service to the Urhobo nation and beyond.
