It’s a rare opportunity, Participant said
Victor Lewis
It was a sea of faces written with anxiety in Sapele on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as the Senator Ede Dafinone collaboration with Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach kicked off with an overwhelming turnout.
Residents in their thousands arrived the venue early in the morning before the official start time, wth each resident determined to seize the rare opportunity of free health checks and expert counselling.
The programme, themed “Come Check Your Sugar Level O!”, was organised by the office of Senator Ede Dafinone in partnership with the National Health Fellows, with a strong focus on prevention, lifestyle modification, and early detection of diabetes.
As early as 8.00 am, the hall had already been full to capacity with the elderly and young people waiting to be tested and educated. For many, it was more than just a medical outreach, it was indeed a lifeline.
“I came early because I know how serious diabetes can be. At my age, I don’t want to wait until sickness catches me before I act. I thank Senator Dafinone for remembering people like us. This programme is a blessing,” said 67-year-old trader, Madam Grace Okotie, her face glowing with relief.
For Mrs. Comfort Awharhe, 59, the outreach was both timely and needed. “In our community, many cannot afford regular hospital checks. Today, I was tested free of charge and also learned how to manage my diet. I want to thank Senator Dafinone for bringing this closer to us,” she noted.
Among the men, 71-year-old Pa Michael Emonena described the initiative as “timely and life-saving.” Recalling a friend who died last year from diabetes complications, he said: “If he had this kind of opportunity, maybe he would still be alive. I appreciate the senator for giving us hope.”
Health workers on ground echoed the participants’ sentiments. A nurse, Mrs. Bridget Efe, observed: “Many people here have never been tested before. Today, they know their status and what to do next. This is where the battle against diabetes must start—at the grassroots.”
Also speaking, Atahine Ogho Eguono of the National Health Fellows told Vanguard that the outreach directly targets late detection, which remains a huge challenge. “Most patients only discover diabetes after stroke, kidney failure, or even blindness has set in. That is why sensitization is key. This programme will save lives,” he stressed.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the event, Senator Dafinone, who was represented by Chief Patrick Akavmoba, assured that the outreach was part of the senator’s wider healthcare agenda.
“The Senator believes prevention is better and cheaper than cure. This is just the beginning. Beyond diabetes, he plans to champion more health programmes across Delta Central. The goal is to ensure no one is left behind,” Akavmoba said.
The Sapele kickoff featured free blood sugar checks, medical consultations, counselling, and health talks. Volunteers and resource persons attended to the crowd, offering practical tips on healthy diets, regular exercise, and the dangers of ignoring early symptoms.
The nearly three weeks outreach which kicked off in Sapele on Wednesday October 1, will traverse the eight local government areas in Delta Central between October 1 and 18, with activities scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. daily.
Residents who trooped out in large numbers described the outreach as a rare gift just as one participant described the exercise as a rare opportunity.
“By 8 a.m., the place was already full. That shows how hungry our people are for healthcare. This programme is not just a medical outreach, it is a lifeline”, he said.
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