Fourty (40) residents of Munya Local Government Area of Niger State have benefited from a free surgical outreach sponsored by the Chairman of the Local Government, Najume Aminu.
The medical intervention, which drew beneficiaries from all 11 wards of the local government, is the second phase of the initiative, targeting residents suffering from conditions such as lipoma and hydrocele, following the successful completion of the first phase last year.
Speaking during the exercise, Najume said the programme was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people.
“As you can see, we are here today to check on our people who have received this wonderful gesture. This initiative is a collaboration between the state government and the Munya Local Government Council,” he said.
He explained that the decision to embark on the outreach was based on observed health challenges within the community.
“We identified some illnesses that are affecting our people, and we decided to support them by providing medical operations for conditions like lipoma, hydrocele, and others. Today alone, about 40 people are benefiting,” Najume stated.
The chairman discloses that the outreach was the second phase of the programme and assured that more interventions would follow.
“This is the second phase. We carried out the first one last year. We are also trying to assess how many people we can cover. If we are not able to capture everyone this time, we will continue with subsequent phases,” he added.
Najume further revealed plans for additional health programmes, including an eye care intervention.
“We have identified about 20 people with eye-related problems. They will be taken to Minna for proper examination. Some will receive glasses, others medication, and surgeries will be carried out where necessary,” he added
He also spoke on support for persons living with mental illness through collaboration with the Department of Special Duties.
“We have already worked with the Department of Special Duties. So far, we have taken nine persons for treatment, and they are responding well. We will continue to do more,” he disclosed.
Urging residents to take advantage of government health programmes, the chairman encouraged early reporting of health challenges.
“People should not hide their illnesses. Any disease, whether complicated or not, should be reported. When you report, you help the government to know what to do and how to assist,” Najume advised.
He further assured residents of the accessibility of the local government leadership.
“If I am not in the office, my vice chairman is available, the secretary is here, and other officials are always on ground. We are working together tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of our people,” he said.
On security, Najume noted significant improvement in the area, “Security has improved, and we thank God Almighty and the efforts of the state government for the progress recorded,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries, both men and women, expressed gratitude to the Munya Local Government Chairman and the Niger State Government for what they described as a life-changing intervention.
One of the beneficiaries said, “I have been living with this condition for years, but I could not afford surgery. This programme has given me a new chance at life, and I am very grateful to the chairman and the government.”
Another beneficiary added, “This support came at the right time. We never expected such free medical care at the local government level. May God bless those who made it possible.”
