By Efe Onodjae 

Beulah World Initiative (BWI), in a strategic partnership with the Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State has organised a comprehensive community medical outreach entitled: Operation Rescue. 

The event which took place at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State was aimed at providing healthcare services to the underserved.

By bridging the gap between high-level academic research (Covenant University) and community needs (BWI), the outreach provided a “one-stop shop” for health and wellness impacting hundreds of local residents who lack regular access to such specialized care.

The services provided at the outreach included: Prostate and breast cancer screenings, professional medical consultations, testing, and treatments, comprehensive eye tests, treatments and the distribution of reading glasses, de-worming for children and distribution of clothing and food items alongside essential health talks.

Welcoming participants to the event, Founder and Coordinator, BWI, Ms Chichi Ononiwu, said that their mission is to be a beacon of hope and a hand of support to rural/suburban communities in the area of health, nutrition and wellness. 

“We believe that health is the foundation of a purposeful life. No one should have to choose between their health and their daily bread. That is why we are here to provide these screenings, treatments and items for free.”

She urged the community members to take full advantage of every service at the outreach adding that their wellbeing is BWI’s priority.

Stating that the vision of this size requires strong hands to carry it, Ononiwu expressed gratitude to their partners; CApIC-ACE and CU Management. “And especially to my spiritual Father and Mentor, the Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr. David Oyedepo, whose exemplary life has been a standing inspiration. 

“Your commitment to the gospel to excellence and to community impact is what makes Operation Rescue possible. To our silent partners, volunteers and medical teams, thank you for your selfless service,” she added.

Ononiwu also appreciated the Chaplain, Covenant University, Pastor Promise Omidiora, who set the stage earlier for the success of the event with an opening prayer and a powerful message from the scriptures.

In his remarks, Centre Leader, CApIC-ACE, Prof. Emeka Iweala, explained that the centre which is a multidisciplinary research group funded under the ACE IMPACT project was established to train African scientists to drive research to reduce the burden of malaria, breast and prostate cancer.

He disclosed that CApIC-ACE has increased cancer research capacity through training of over 500 postgraduate students and African researchers. 

He further disclosed that one of the activities at CApIC-ACE is community outreaches to disseminate research outputs and create awareness on malaria, breast and prostate cancer in order to reduce their burden.  

He added that research has helped to reduce malaria, prostate and breast cancer mortality through more effective prevention, detection, and treatment. “Medical research has identified well-established risk factors for prostate and breast cancer which everyone should be familiar with.  

Professor Tayo George, the immediate past Chairman, Covenant University Community Development Impact Initiatives Community (CU-CDIIC) shared a few tips for living a healthy lifestyle with the participants at the event.

She spoke on the need to eat healthy by intentionally eating right, this she said include the inclusion of fruits, vegetables that are readily available and affordable with a balanced diet in the right proportion.