Health First: JEDLOF Founder Urges Nigerians to Embrace Regular Medical Checkups
Amid rising concerns over the increasing rate of sudden deaths in the country, Dr. (Mrs.) Ebele Okoye, founder of the Jedidiah Divine Home of Love (JEDLOF) and a retired General Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has made a clarion call to Nigerians to prioritize their health through regular medical checkups.
Speaking during the quarterly medical outreach of JEDLOF over the weekend at Ikeja High School, Oyetayo, Oshodi, Lagos, Dr. Okoye emphasized the importance of routinely checking blood pressure and sugar levels, which she described as vital in the fight against life-threatening conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
“High blood pressure remains a silent killer,” she warned. “Many Nigerians are suffering in silence because they cannot afford basic healthcare due to the prevailing economic hardship.”
Under the theme, “Reviving Hope and Empowering Widows,” the outreach provided free medical screening for over 100 widows, many of whom were screened for hypertension, diabetes, and other health risks. A team of medical professionals was on ground to offer diagnosis, immediate treatment for manageable cases, and referrals to hospitals for more serious conditions.
According to Dr. Okoye, the initiative was driven by her passion to reach vulnerable groups who are often left behind in the healthcare system, especially widows and the less privileged.
“Nigerians are incredibly hardworking, but unlike their counterparts in more developed countries, they lack access to the social support systems necessary for healthy living,” she said.
She also urged members of the public to take part in JEDLOF’s monthly online prayer sessions, which she said serve as spiritual and emotional support to many beneficiaries.
Calling on both public and private sector stakeholders, Dr. Okoye appealed for greater support from government agencies, corporate bodies, and kind-hearted individuals to enable JEDLOF to expand its humanitarian services.
“We cannot do it alone,” she noted. “These women need more than food or cash—they need health, hope, and healing.”
A Shift From the Norm
Mrs. Peace Okoye, who coordinated the outreach, said the foundation chose to deviate from its usual practice of distributing food items and cash to focus on medical intervention, which she described as more impactful.
“Many of these widows don’t know the state of their health. This screening may be the first time some are checking their BP or blood sugar. It’s about saving lives,” she said.
Widows Speak: “Today, I Realised Health Is Everything”
Several beneficiaries expressed their appreciation, sharing emotional testimonies of how the outreach made a difference.
Mrs. Abiodun Funmilayo, a regular beneficiary of JEDLOF’s programs, said the foundation had consistently supported her, not just with food but now with vital health services.
Mrs. Yemisi Adenusi praised Dr. Okoye’s consistent efforts, noting that she had received support for her children’s school fees and basic needs. “She’s been a mother to many of us,” she said.
For Mrs. Amaele Ego, the experience was nothing short of life-changing.
“Immediately I saw the doctor, I was filled with joy. Today, I realized health is very important. If I didn’t come, I wouldn’t have known that my BP was dangerously high. I might have gone to the farm and collapsed,” she said tearfully.
Hope Restored
The outreach concluded with the distribution of food items and gift packages to the widows, leaving them not only healthier but also hopeful.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with healthcare accessibility challenges, Dr. Okoye’s JEDLOF Foundation stands as a shining example of what community-driven health interventions can achieve—reviving hope and saving lives, one screening at a time.
