Lagos Port Manager Leads NPA Health Outreach in Ijora, Delivers Free Medical Checks, Drugs, Food
Residents of Ijora in Lagos benefited from a community health outreach organised by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Port Complex, as part of efforts to promote wellness and early detection of illnesses.
The initiative, led by the Lagos Port Manager, Ibrahim Lawal, focused on health awareness, free medical screenings, distribution of essential drugs, and food support for elderly residents.
Speaking during the outreach on Thursday, Lawal said the programme was conceived as a proactive step to address hidden health conditions within the community, noting that many individuals may be living with ailments unknowingly.
“We thought of it that we should at least carry out a health awareness for them. It’s not much, but like the Kabiyesi (King) said earlier, there is nothing small when it comes to health. You may be surprised at the results you get when people are tested.”
He emphasised that conditions such as high blood pressure often go undetected, underscoring the importance of routine checks and community-based interventions.
Lawal attributed the initiative to the welfare-driven leadership of the NPA management under Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, describing him as a leader committed to the wellbeing of both staff and host communities.
“Our management, led by Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, places a lot of importance on people’s welfare. That is why we decided to collaborate with the palace to organise this awareness programme for the general community.”
He added that while the outreach is the first of its kind in the area, efforts would be made to sustain similar interventions in the future.
“This is the first one, and by the grace of God, it will not be the last. We may not promise it will be yearly, but we will continue to see how we can sustain it.”
Beyond medical services, the Port Manager explained that food distribution formed a critical part of the outreach, linking proper nutrition to overall health.
“There is food as well. If you eat good food and drink clean water, it is also part of your health. What you consume matters a lot.”
He further revealed that free medications were provided to address common health conditions identified during the screening exercise.
On personal wellbeing, Lawal advised residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, stressing moderation and environmental cleanliness as key factors.
On his part, the Prince of Ijora Land, Prince Aromire Sijuade, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a landmark intervention that reflects a growing commitment by the maritime sector to community development.
He expressed gratitude to the management of the Lagos Port Complex for bringing the outreach to the community, noting that it marked a significant first for residents.
Prince Sijuade pointed out that the combination of free medical services and welfare support demonstrated a holistic approach to community care.
“You can see the medicines available and the food packages being distributed. It shows there is strong support. It is not just about sharing food; people are being checked and given medication to support their daily lives.”
He stressed the importance of community outreach in an industry as economically significant as maritime, urging organisations to prioritise host communities alongside profit-making.
According to him, such initiatives not only improve lives but also strengthen relationships between organisations and their host communities, enhancing public perception.
Prince Sijuade described the outreach as an eye-opener for the community, offering a glimpse into the social value the port can deliver beyond its core operations. He expressed optimism that the programme would be sustained and expanded in the future.
“This initiative shows that the port can give back to the community—not just in business, but in health, in welfare, and in many other ways.”
Community leaders commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially in improving access to basic healthcare services at the grassroots level.
The outreach, which attracted a large turnout of residents, underscores a growing recognition within the maritime sector of the need to balance economic activities with meaningful social investment in host communities.
