Senator Ede Dafinone’s free medical initiative has continued to gather momentum across Delta Central, as the third phase of the Dafinone Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Outreach expanded to Isiokolo, headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area, offering hope to hundreds of residents over the weekend.
The outreach, held in partnership with the National Health Fellows, featured free diabetes and blood pressure testing, tuberculosis screening, general consultations, and counseling on healthy living. Over 200 residents — including civil servants, elderly persons, and youths — benefited from the exercise, which many described as a “timely intervention” in a community where access to healthcare remains a major challenge.
Represented by his Liaison Officer for Ethiope East LGA, Hon. Henry Esiri, Senator Dafinone reaffirmed his “unwavering commitment to strengthening healthcare access and promoting healthy living among our people.” He expressed appreciation to the Council Chairman, Chief Augustine Ogedegbe, and Dr. Alfred Itobore Ofuegbe, Executive Secretary of the Ethiope East Local Government Health Authority, for their partnership and support.
Dr. Ofuegbe, who delivered a presentation on diabetes prevention and management, stressed the importance of lifestyle adjustments, balanced diets, and regular medical checkups. He noted that many cases of diabetes could be managed effectively through early detection and consistent monitoring.
The coordinating officer for Ethiope East, Mr. Peter Omehawe, described diabetes as “one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Nigeria and across the world.” He cautioned that “diabetes is not just a big man’s sickness — it cuts across age, gender, and class,” adding that many Nigerians are unaware they have the disease until it becomes severe.
Omehawe further explained that Type 1 diabetes often develops in children whose bodies do not produce insulin, while Type 2 results from the body’s inability to produce or use insulin properly. “If left unmanaged,” he warned, “it can lead to blindness, kidney disease, heart problems, stroke, or even limb amputation.”
Health workers on-site educated participants about diet, exercise, and the dangers of self-medication. “This is my first time getting my blood sugar checked,” said Mrs. Felicia Okorie, one of the beneficiaries. “I’ve been feeling dizzy for weeks. Now I know it’s not something to ignore.”
The field at the Council Secretariat buzzed with activity as volunteers guided participants through testing stations, explained results, and provided medication for diabetes and hypertension. Those diagnosed with high sugar levels were referred to hospitals for follow-up care, while others received counseling on maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Commending Senator Dafinone for sponsoring the outreach, Omehawe said, “He is a leader whose name is synonymous with service, integrity, and impact.” He added, “Coming from the highly respected Dafinone family of Sapele, the senator has continued a legacy of excellence while carving his own path as a voice for the people. His belief is simple — access to healthcare should not depend on social status.”
Organizers announced that the next phase of the outreach would move to other parts of Delta Central in the coming weeks. For many in Isiokolo, however, the event was more than a medical campaign — it was proof that leadership can be both compassionate and practical. As one elderly resident put it, “We may not meet the senator in person, but through this test, he has touched our lives.”
