By Prosper Okoye
Civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged the government to provide essential infrastructure and other interventions in Kwoyi, a community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The call was made on Saturday, February 22, during a medical and humanitarian outreach organised by the Aisha Achimugu Foundation (AAF), YALI Network Abuja, Timawale Inclusive Health Foundation, and Celade Community and Empowerment Initiative in the community.
According to AAF’s Programme Director, Kiema Ogunlana, Kwoyi’s territorial nature and remoteness make it a hard-to-reach community, which may explain the lack of attention it receives in terms of development.
“There is no electricity, no good roads. Their only source of water is a stream, which they share with animals. They bathe, cook, and drink from it, making them vulnerable to disease outbreaks,” Ogunlana said.
The medical outreach included screenings for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), blood pressure, blood sugar, and hepatitis.
Medical doctors were available for consultations, while a well-stocked dispensary provided treatment for diagnosed ailments. Additionally, mosquito nets were distributed to pregnant women.
Ogunlana stated that many of those tested showed reactive cases of hepatitis.
“There is a need for more hepatitis vaccines and preventive sensitisation to stop further spread. We will refer those who tested reactive for confirmatory testing and treatment,” the Program Officer stated.
She added that the outreach exceeded its initial target of 100 beneficiaries, as the entire community turned out to participate.
Kwoyi has a community primary school, but its building is dilapidated, with no facilities to support teaching and learning.
“We appeal to UBEB to address the educational needs of the people because education remains the key to human development, whether formal or informal. What we have here is nothing to write home about,” she added.
Ogunlana commended the CSO partnership, noting that it aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 17, which promotes collaboration to achieve greater impact.
She encouraged other organisations to extend their interventions to remote communities, stressing that such efforts would contribute to a better future and more resilient communities.
Shoes were provided for children without footwear, while clothing was distributed to men, women, and young people in the community.
YALI Network Abuja Coordinator, Irene Arinze, on her part, stated that the outreach would have a significant impact on the lives of people in the community, given the rising inflation and inadequate healthcare system in Nigeria.
“We are here to complement the government’s efforts in these areas. While what we have provided may not be a long-term solution, there is a pressing need to build the capacity of the people. Since most of them are farmers, providing seeds and other resources to support better agricultural practices would be beneficial,” she explained.
Women and girls received hygiene and health education, including guidance on the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads.
Celade Community and Empowerment Initiative co-founder, Margaret Kojusola, who also spoke, commented on the welcoming and receptive nature of the residents, who were predominantly Hausa speakers.
“The people are very conscious of their health. The disposition of an 18-year-old mother caught my attention—I watched her passionately explain her symptoms to the doctor through our interpreters. She had a cough and was eager to receive treatment. She also insisted that her two little daughters be given medical attention,” she said.
Comfort Donald, originally from Benue State but residing in Kwoyi, said: “I came to get tested because I have been feeling pain. They have checked my blood and given me the result, and now I am waiting to receive medication.”
She explained that while the community had what they referred to as a “First Aid” centre and a few chemist shops, there was no hospital.
“We have to pay N2,000 for transport to reach the nearest hospital in town,” she added.
The District Head of Kwoyi, HRH Jibrin Sabo, welcomed the outreach initiative and highlighted the numerous challenges faced by the community.
