The Delta Central Diabetes Sensitisation and Testing Medical Outreach kicked off in Sapele on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with an overwhelming turnout as residents thronged the venue hours before the official start to benefit from the free health programme.
Advocate.ng reports that by 8:00 a.m., the hall was already packed with elderly men, women, and youths eager to check their sugar levels and receive expert health advice under the theme, “Come Check Your Sugar Level O!” The outreach, organised by Senator Ede Dafinone in partnership with the National Health Fellows, focused on prevention, lifestyle changes, and early detection of diabetes.
Participants described the initiative as a “rare gift.” Madam Grace Okotie, 67, said: “I came early because I know how serious diabetes can be. At my age, I don’t want to wait until sickness catches me. This programme is a blessing.”
For 71-year-old Pa Michael Emonena, the outreach was “timely and life-saving.” He explained: “I lost a friend last year to diabetes complications. If he had this kind of opportunity, maybe he would still be alive.”
Health workers commended the effort, stressing that many residents had never been tested before. Mrs. Bridget Efe, a nurse, noted: “Today, people known their status and what to do next. Grassroots health is where the battle must start.”
Speaking on behalf of Senator Dafinone, Chief Patrick Akavmoba said the programme reflected the senator’s commitment to community healthcare: “The Senator believes prevention is better and cheaper than cure. Beyond diabetes, he plans to champion more outreaches in other areas. The goal is to ensure no one is left behind.”
From Sapele, the outreach team will cover all eight LGAs in Delta Central between October 1 and 18, offering free sugar level checks, medical consultations, and health talks.
Organisers said the massive Sapele turnout was proof that the initiative is more than a medical outreach — “it is a lifeline."
