Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Chairman of Eleganza Group of Industries, Chief Rasaq Okoya, has marked his 86th birthday by launching an extensive free healthcare programme for residents of Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The eight-day medical outreach, which commenced on Monday, is expected to provide comprehensive healthcare services to 1,500 beneficiaries, with at least 150 people receiving treatment daily. Chief Okoya also announced that any participant referred to a government hospital would have their medical expenses fully settled.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the industrialist explained that his decision to celebrate his birthday through a medical intervention was inspired by his belief that good health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling and productive life.
“Health is wealth. I want people to live healthy lives,” Okoya said.
He explained that the outreach was designed not only to provide treatment but also to encourage regular medical check-ups and early detection of illnesses, which he described as crucial in preventing avoidable deaths.
Sharing a personal testimony, Okoya disclosed that he once battled prostate-related health challenges but was able to overcome them because the condition was diagnosed early.
“I was diagnosed with prostate issues early, received treatment, and today I am healthy,” he said, urging Nigerians to prioritise routine medical examinations.
Expressing gratitude for the privilege of attaining another year in good health, the business mogul likened the human body to a vehicle that requires regular servicing to function optimally.
“I prayed to God to see another birthday, and He has made it possible. Long life requires discipline and regular health checks, just like servicing a car,” he added.
The Lagos State Government, through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, praised Okoya for the initiative, describing it as a valuable complement to the state’s healthcare delivery system under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda.
Ogunyemi noted that partnerships with private individuals and organisations are essential, as government alone cannot address all healthcare challenges.
She also encouraged residents to learn from Okoya’s experience by embracing early diagnosis as a tool for preventing minor conditions from escalating into life-threatening diseases.
In her remarks, the celebrant’s wife, Mrs Folashade Okoya, announced that the free healthcare outreach would now become an annual programme, giving residents another opportunity to benefit from medical screening and treatment in subsequent years.
She thanked the Lagos State Government and other partners, including Mecure, for their support and collaboration.
One of the beneficiaries, Tosin Johnson, described the outreach as impactful and professionally executed, commending the Okoya family for the gesture.
“I received thorough medical attention, drugs, eyeglasses, and several tests that would have cost me more than N100,000. I didn’t pay a single kobo,” Johnson said.
She also confirmed that beneficiaries received N10,000 each as transport and feeding allowance, urging other affluent Nigerians to emulate Chief Okoya by supporting access to quality healthcare for underserved communities.
