Residents of Oyo State, especially senior citizens and children, on Tuesday trooped out across the state to benefit from a free medical outreach organised as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary.
The outreach, which held simultaneously across Primary Healthcare Centres in all 33 Local Government Areas, recorded a strong turnout, with many residents accessing medical consultations and free drugs.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations began on Monday with the official inauguration of the anniversary programme by Governor Seyi Makinde at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan. The state government had earlier announced a week-long line-up of activities to commemorate the milestone, unveiled on January 21, 2026.
Scheduled events include religious services, cultural displays, a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future,” as well as an awards and dinner night.
Governor Makinde also named former House of Representatives member, Saheed Fijabi, as chairman of the 11-member planning committee for the anniversary.
Monday’s opening ceremony attracted family members of former governors, traditional and religious leaders, top government officials, and political stakeholders, as the state reflected on its creation on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region, with Ibadan as its capital. While the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other traditional rulers were present, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, were absent.
Monitoring the outreach across parts of Ibadan on Tuesday, a large number of residents were seen accessing healthcare services. Fijabi, alongside other committee members, also visited several centres to assess the exercise.
Speaking at the Bashorun Primary Health Care Centre, Fijabi said the inclusion of free healthcare in the anniversary programme was intentional, noting that good health remains essential to productivity and overall wellbeing.
“No society can truly thrive if its people are unhealthy. This initiative is our way of giving back to the citizens who have sustained Oyo State over the past 50 years,” he said.
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He described the turnout as impressive and praised Governor Makinde for insisting that the services be offered at no cost to residents.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Broadcast, Bose Sodiq, also said the outreach was designed to support residents who often avoid hospitals due to the high cost of medical care.
“Many people live with untreated illnesses because they cannot afford hospital bills. This programme encourages residents to check their health and seek care without worrying about payment,” she said, urging more residents to take advantage of the initiative.
Residents from areas such as Alafara, Bashorun, and Oranyan who participated in the outreach expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the exercise as timely and impactful.
