Hundreds of residents of Ayiwola community benefited from a comprehensive humanitarian and healthcare intervention as Yeyelowu Fatima Oyelude, wife of the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), CON, expanded her decade-long commitment to community development through the Yeyelowu Fatima Oyelude Foundation Community Outreach Programme held at the Olowu of Kuta Palace.
The outreach combined preventive healthcare, educational support, economic empowerment, and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing the importance of early disease detection and community-based interventions in improving public health.
Medical professionals carried out free health screenings for elderly residents, with beneficiaries receiving medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes checks, and supplements for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The programme also focused on eye health, screening participants for cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision-related conditions.
Prescription eyeglasses were distributed to those diagnosed with poor vision, while patients requiring surgical procedures were identified for possible further intervention.
Beyond healthcare, the foundation distributed writing materials and school sandals to pupils across Ayiwola, food items to elderly residents, gifts to children, and cash grants to selected small-scale business owners to strengthen existing enterprises and promote grassroots economic development.
Speaking with journalists, Yeyelowu Fatima Oyelude said the outreach reflects a vision she has nurtured for more than ten years.
"I've been doing this for the past ten years. After travelling and returning home, I voluntarily decided to extend kindness to my people. I discussed the project with my husband, simplified it into four phases, and we began gradually. It has been successful."
She acknowledged the unwavering support of her family throughout the initiative.
"My brothers, cousins, and family members have supported every step. I am doing this with a pure heart without expecting anything in return. I encourage everyone who has the means to always reach out to the vulnerable."
In his remarks, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), CON, emphasized that compassion and service should remain central to leadership.
"We should all learn to give, including journalists. Many traditional rulers are carrying out interventions, some quietly. If you look at what the King of Oke-Ila has been doing, traditional rulers should identify what they can contribute within the limits of their resources to support their communities."
The monarch described the outreach as an extension of his philosophy of people-centered leadership.
"This initiative by Yeyelowu Fatima Oyelude is a continuation of what I stand for, serving the people rather than expecting the people to serve the palace."
Medical expert Dr. Sheriki Jide, a Family Physician at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, commended the programme for promoting preventive healthcare and reducing the burden of untreated diseases.
"This is an excellent programme established to prevent the development and complications of diseases. We commend Kabiyesi and Olori for putting together such an initiative."
According to him, many participants were diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, cataracts, and other vision-related conditions during the exercise.
"We have seen many people today with hypertension, diabetes, cataracts, and poor vision. We are providing glasses where necessary, and for those who require surgery, we will discuss with Kabiyesi how further assistance can be provided."
He stressed that preventive community healthcare remains one of the most effective ways to reduce avoidable illnesses and urged governments to replicate such initiatives across the country.
"This is one of the basic responsibilities of government. Programmes like this should be extended to communities across Nigeria, held regularly, and not limited to annual interventions. The turnout today clearly shows the need."
Beyond healthcare services, the outreach also focused on education and economic empowerment. Students across Ayiwola received writing materials, school sandals, and school uniforms to support their education, while eligible small-scale business owners were presented with cash grants to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods. The foundation also distributed food items to elderly residents and gifts to children, reflecting its holistic approach to improving the welfare of vulnerable members of the community.
The outreach attracted several traditional rulers and dignitaries, including His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II, Ilufemiloye, Ariwajoye I, the Olupo of Oluponna; Oloye Mayowa Abidogun, Bobajiroro of Olupo; Omidan Afolasade Olajumoke, Opomulero Apesa; His Royal Majesty Oba Taiwo Adetoyese, the Olu of Alaya Kingdom; and His Royal Majesty Oba Habeeb Agbaje Arowokunjoye, the Olu of Ile-Ogbo Kingdom.
The Yeyelowu Fatima Oyelude Foundation's intervention underscores the growing role of traditional institutions in complementing government efforts through preventive healthcare, education, social welfare, and economic empowerment. By promoting early diagnosis of chronic illnesses, supporting vulnerable households, and investing in local businesses, the initiative has become a model of community-driven development and a beacon of hope for residents across Ayiwola and beyond.
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