By Ahmed Akanbi, Abuja And Nahum Sule, Jalingo
No fewer than 10,000 residents of Taraba State have benefited from a major medical outreach organised to mark the 58th birthday anniversary of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda.
This was even as Yilwatda has donated the sum of ₦25 million to the GMCN Orphanage and Christian Care for Widows in the state.
The healthcare intervention was conducted under the Renewed Hope Medical Outreach programme and held across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The figures were disclosed by the Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr Bordiya Buma, at the grand finale of the intervention held on Saturday at the Multipurpose Conference Hall of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Jalingo.
According to Buma, the first phase recorded 327 general surgeries, 71 eye surgeries and 575 dental procedures.
Rather than host a conventional birthday celebration, Yilwatda dedicated the occasion to supporting healthcare delivery for residents, with priority given to people in underserved communities.
Speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman said the decision to hold the intervention in Taraba was deliberate and based on a needs assessment.
He noted that financial and geographical challenges often prevent many residents from accessing quality medical services.
“Leadership is about service. Leaders must embrace the culture of giving and use their positions to improve the lives of citizens,” Yilwatda said.
He explained that the programme was designed to reach beneficiaries across all three senatorial districts of the state.
The medical outreach is expected to be followed by additional phases to expand access to free healthcare for more Taraba residents.
In a related development, a prominent Taraba politician, Princess Leah Solomon Olusiyi, has led a delegation from GMCN Orphanage and Christian Care for Widows on a courtesy visit to Yilwatda, to mark his birthday.
During the visit, Olusiyi highlighted the challenges facing orphans and widows, noting that the vision behind the initiative began in 1999 and has grown over the years to support vulnerable children and women.
She appealed for increased support from individuals, government and organisations to enable the initiative reach more orphans and widows in need.
Responding, Yilwatda, in a gesture of support, donated a total of ₦25 million to the beneficiaries.
The APC National Chairman donated ₦10 million to the orphans, ₦10 million to widows, and ₦5 million to teachers caring for the orphans.
The gesture was described as a significant intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society and encouraging continued care for orphans and widows.